Question

The Right of Equality before the law under Article 14 is subject to the restriction of:

• A. Public order and morality
• B. Reasonable classification
• C. Reasonable restriction
• D. Reasonable situations

Hint:

Article 14 allows reasonable classification, but prohibits class legislation. Classification must be based on intelligible differentia and a rational nexus with the objective.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Constitutional principle.
Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of laws. However, absolute equality is neither possible nor practical, so the principle of reasonable classification is allowed.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Public order and morality: These are restrictions under other fundamental rights (like Article 19), not Article 14.
- (B) Reasonable classification: Correct. The Supreme Court has upheld that Article 14 permits classification, provided it is reasonable and not arbitrary.
- (C) Reasonable restriction: This applies to freedom rights under Article 19, not equality.
- (D) Reasonable situations: Not a valid constitutional doctrine.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The right to equality is subject to reasonable classification, not absolute equality.