Constitution of India · Section Article 14
Equality before law
Article 14 — Equality before law
equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
Plain English Summary
Article 14 guarantees that everyone in India is equal before the law, meaning the law must be applied equally to all citizens without any discrimination based on factors like religion, caste, gender, or social status. It ensures that the state cannot treat people differently when enforcing laws.
Key Points
- Equality Before Law: No person is above the law; everyone is subject to the same laws.
- Equal Protection of Laws: Laws should be applied equally to similar situations.
- No Discrimination: The state cannot make distinctions or unfair treatment based on personal characteristics.
- Fundamental Right: This is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution.
Why It Matters
This article is the foundation of justice in India, ensuring that the legal system treats all citizens fairly and without bias, promoting social equality.
Landmark Judgements
| Case | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| State of Madras vs. Champakam Dorairajan | 1951 | Established the principle that equality before the law is a fundamental right. |
| Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India | 1978 | Expanded the scope of Article 14 to require that laws must be fair, just, and reasonable, not just formally equal. |
| E.P. Royappa vs. State of Tamil Nadu | 1974 | Emphasized that the concept of equality requires a deeper inquiry into the reasons behind state action. |