EXPLORING JURISPRUDENCE OF THE ARTICLE 14: LANDMARK CASES AND THEIR APPLICATION

AUTHOR – NIKITA KHANNA, STUDENT AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL, NOIDA

Best Citation – NIKITA KHANNA, EXPLORING JURISPRUDENCE OF THE ARTICLE 14: LANDMARK CASES AND THEIR APPLICATION, ILE LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE (ILE LJ), 1 (1) of 2023, Pg. 27-34, APIS – 3920 – 0044 | ISBN – 978-81-964391-3-2.

Abstract

This paper examines case law concerning Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, focusing on the right to equality and its relationship with the classification doctrine. Article 14 condemns arbitrariness, which implies a rejection of equality. The classification doctrine, a judicial framework, determines if legislative or executive actions are discriminatory and violate equality. Article 14 applies to State actions, including those by the legislature, executive, or Article 12 authorities, where arbitrariness exists. The principles of reasonableness and non-arbitrariness are integral to the entire constitutional scheme. Article 14 serves as a model for other articles like 16, 17, and 18, highlighting that injustice can arise when equals are treated unequally or when unequal are treated equally. The paper’s primary focus is to explore the applications of Article 14 in Education, Employment, and Promotion, analysing relevant case law.

Keywords – Article 14, Right to Equality, Legislative Action, Denial of Equality, Constitution