Part III · Article 14
Equality before law
Pending legal reviewLast checked 2026-11-02
Official text
The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
Source: Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India
Plain-language explanation (editorial)
Everyone in India — citizen or not — must be treated equally by the law. The government cannot treat people unfairly or arbitrarily, though it may make reasonable classifications with a sensible basis.
Example
A government rule that gives a licence to one applicant and refuses an identical applicant without any reason can be challenged under Article 14.
The explanation is general information, not legal advice. Always rely on the official text and consult a qualified advocate for your situation.