Question

While interpreting the phrase "equality before the law" contained in Article 14 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court constantly maintained that equality means:

• A. Absolute equality among human beings;
• B. Equal treatment to all persons;
• C. Among equals, the law should be equal and should be equally administered;
• D. Both (B) & (C);

Hint:

Article 14 of the Indian Constitution ensures equality before the law, meaning equal treatment of all persons in similar circumstances and equal application of the law.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding Article 14 - Equality Before the Law:
Article 14 of the Constitution of India guarantees equality before the law, meaning that every person shall be treated equally under the law without any discrimination. The Supreme Court has emphasized that equality does not mean absolute equality but equal treatment in similar circumstances.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation of the Options:
- (A) Absolute equality among human beings: This is incorrect. The Supreme Court does not interpret equality in absolute terms but focuses on equal treatment in similar situations.
- (B) Equal treatment to all persons: This is partially correct. Equal treatment is a significant part of the interpretation of equality under Article 14.
- (C) Among equals, the law should be equal and should be equally administered: This is also correct. The Supreme Court has emphasized that equality means treating equals equally and applying the law equally to all.
- (D) Both (B) & (C): This is the correct answer. The Supreme Court's interpretation of equality under Article 14 involves both equal treatment and equal administration of the law.
Step 3: Final Conclusion:
The correct answer is (D) Both (B) & (C), as the Supreme Court maintains that equality means equal treatment to all persons and equal application of the law to equals.