Interpretation Of The Two Doctrines Of Article 14 Of The Constitution
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 13
- 1 min read
Sanchita Sanand, Galgotias University, Greater Noida
ABSTRACT
Equal rights, Liberty and Fraternity1 have always topped the list of guiding principles since the French Revolution. We still hold these three ideologies in high regard, particularly when it comes to human rights. The Indian Constitution aims to establish a state based on the foundation of equality of opportunity and treatment. Arbitrariness, on the contrary in the Constitution is the idea that state actions violate the values of equality and justice by lacking reason, fairness, or a logical approach. Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law, the Indian courts have widely interpreted the doctrine of arbitrariness to guarantee that laws and executive actions are not discriminatory or oppressive. Landmark decisions like E.P. Royappa v. State of Tamil Nadu (1974) and Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) have shown that arbitrariness is incompatible with constitutional morality. Notwithstanding these protections, cases of executive overreach, ambiguous laws, and unequal state actions still test the rule of law. The changing case law on arbitrariness emphasizes the court's duty to balance state power with individual rights, so supporting the constitutional dedication to justice, non- discrimination, and rational government.
Keywords: Equal Rights, Arbitrariness, Discriminatory, Fairness and Logical Approach
