Question

Which Article of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before Law?

• A. Article 18
• B. Article 14
• C. Article 21
• D. Article 64

Hint:

The Right to Equality is spanned from Articles 14 to 18.
Article 14 is the general rule of equality, while Articles 15, 16, 17, and 18 are specific applications of this fundamental principle.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to identify the specific article of the Indian Constitution that guarantees "equality before law" and "equal protection of the laws."
We need to differentiate between the scopes of Article 18, Article 14, Article 21, and Article 64.


Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Article 14 of the Constitution states: "The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India."

• This article contains two concepts: "Equality before Law" (borrowed from English Common Law, signifying the absence of special privileges) and "Equal Protection of the Laws" (borrowed from the US Constitution, signifying equal treatment under equal circumstances).

• This right is available to all persons, including citizens, foreigners, and legal corporations.

• Article 18 deals with the "Abolition of titles," prohibiting the State from conferring any titles other than military or academic distinctions.

• Article 21 guarantees the "Protection of life and personal liberty," stating that no person shall be deprived of their life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.

• Article 64 states that the Vice-President of India shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), which is an administrative and structural provision, not a fundamental right.

• Therefore, Article 14 is the specific provision guaranteeing equality before the law.


Step 3: Final Answer:
Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before law, which corresponds to Option (B).