a clear enumeration and explanation of Article 14 of the Constitution of India

 a clear enumeration and explanation of Article 14 of the Constitution of India:

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🧾 Article 14 – Equality Before Law

Text of Article 14:

"The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India."

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🔹 Enumerated Components of Article 14:

1. Applicability to "any person":

   • Not limited to Indian citizens — applies to citizens and non-citizens (foreigners) alike.

2. Obligation on "the State":

   • Includes the Government of India, State Governments, and all authorities and instrumentalities of the State (as defined in Article 12).

3. Two Distinct but Related Principles:

   • Equality before the law:

     • All persons are equal in the eyes of the law.

     • No one is above the law (including government officials).

   • Equal protection of the laws:

     • People in similar circumstances must be treated alike.

     • Allows reasonable classification, not arbitrary discrimination.

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🔍 Essential Features:

Feature	Explanation
Universal application	Applies to all persons — natural or juristic.
Fundamental right	Justiciable — enforceable by courts under Article 32 and 226.
Negative and positive in nature	Prohibits arbitrary laws (negative) and requires fairness (positive).
Basis of Rule of Law	Embodies the concept of legal equality.

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⚖️ Key Concepts within Article 14:

1. Reasonable Classification

   • Allowed if:

     • There is an intelligible differentia.

     • There is a rational nexus between the classification and the object sought to be achieved.

2. Prohibition of Class Legislation

   • Article 14 prohibits arbitrary laws targeting or favoring specific classes without just cause.

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🧑‍⚖️ Landmark Judgments Interpreting Article 14:

Case Name	Principle Established
State of West Bengal v. Anwar Ali Sarkar (1952)	Classification must be reasonable.
EP Royappa v. State of Tamil Nadu (1974)	Equality is antithetical to arbitrariness.
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)	Article 14 ensures fair procedure.
Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992)	Reservations are valid for achieving substantive equality.