Constitutional state · 2026
Constitution of India
Part III — Fundamental Rights
Article14
Equality before law
The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
This wording has been in force since 1950 on this desk.
Judicial interpretation
E.P. Royappa v. State of Tamil Nadu (1974). The Supreme Court held that equality is a dynamic concept. State action that is arbitrary is, by itself, a violation of Article 14.
In plain language
The State shall not deny any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws.
UPSC relevance
High
Most cited right
Past papers
3
Prelims & Mains
Linked topics
5
Articles + cases