6.3.2.2. Equal Protection of Law

♤ It implies that the State should ensure that every citizen gets equal protection of law and no one should be deprived of justice because of poverty or any other reason. It means that-

o There will be equality of treatment under equal circumstances, both in the privileges conferred and liabilities imposed by the laws.

o The like shall be treated alike without any discrimination. As per the Supreme Court, where equals and unequals are treated differently, Article 14 does not apply.

♤ It is borrowed from the American Constitution.

♤ It is a positive concept as it implies that people who are in similar circumstances will be treated similarly, but differently from people in different circumstances.