Article 14 of the Constitution forms an integral component of the Fundamental Rights within the Indian Constitution, and the Constitution regards it as one of its most crucial Articles. Article 14 provides for right to equality to all the people and absence of any discrimination on grounds such as sex, caste, religion etc.

Right to equality is divided under the following clauses as per the Constitution of India:

1. Article 14 – Equality before law
2. Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, caste, race, sex or place of birth
3. Article 16 – Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment
4. Article 17 – Abolition of untouchability
5. Article 18 – Abolition of titles 

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.

1. Article 14 of the Indian Constitution states that all citizens will be treated equally before the law. It ensures that the law of the country protects everybody equally and that under the same circumstances, the law will treat people in the same manner.
2. This provision ensures that all individuals receive fair and just treatment, regardless of their background or status.
3. It is a fundamental right that serves as a cornerstone of the Indian legal system.

Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, caste, race, sex or place of birth

1. Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination against citizens on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.
2. Citizens cannot face disability, liability, restriction, or condition in accessing public places or using public facilities.
3. The state can create special provisions for women, children, socially and educationally backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.
4. States can create special provisions to enhance educational opportunities for economically weaker citizens‘ admission to institutions.
5. These provisions can account for up to 10% of seats in each category, and they supplement existing reservations.

Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment

1. Article 16 of the Indian Constitution ensures equal opportunities for citizens in employment and appointments under the state.
2. Citizens are prohibited from being excluded or discriminated against in employment based on religion, race, caste, sex, descent, birthplace, or residence.
3. Parliament can enact laws to specify residency criteria for particular classes or positions of employment within a state or union territory.
4. The state can reserve posts for underrepresented backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes in government services.
5. Reserved vacancies for certain groups can be treated separately, not affecting the 50% reservation ceiling for that year’s total vacancies.
6. This article doesn’t affect laws governing appointments to religious or denominational institutions or governing bodies.
7. The state can reserve posts for economically weaker sections, up to 10% in each category, alongside existing reservations.

Abolition of untouchability

1. Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolishes the practice of “Untouchability” and prohibits its practice in any form.
2. Law considers enforcing any disability arising from “Untouchability” as an offense punishable by law.

Abolition of titles

1. Article 18 of the Indian Constitution prohibits the conferral of titles by the state, except for military or academic distinctions.
2. It also prohibits Indian citizens from accepting titles from foreign states.
3. Non-citizen officeholders under the state can’t accept foreign titles without President’s consent.
4. Similarly, state officeholders can’t accept foreign presents or offices without President’s consent.

Rights To Equality

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