What is the Jurisdiction of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution?

Question from Khan, What is the Jurisdiction of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution?

Answer from AI:

Article 14 of the Indian Constitution is a fundamental right that guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. It applies to all persons, including citizens and non-citizens, within the territorial jurisdiction of India.

Understanding Article 14

Article 14 states: “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 means that every person, whether a citizen or a foreigner, is equal in the eyes of the law and is entitled to equal protection of the laws.

Jurisdiction of Article 14

The jurisdiction of Article 14 is extensive and applies to all actions of the State, which includes the legislative, executive, and administrative actions. It also applies to laws passed by the Parliament and State Legislatures, as well as actions taken by the government and its officials.

• Legislative Actions: Any law passed by the Parliament or State Legislature must comply with Article 14. If a law is discriminatory and does not provide equal protection, it can be declared unconstitutional by the courts.
• Executive Actions: Actions taken by the government and its officials must also comply with Article 14. If an action is found to be discriminatory, it can be challenged in court.
• Administrative Actions: Administrative actions, such as the issuance of licenses or permits, must also comply with Article 14. If an administrative action is discriminatory, it can be challenged in court.

Exceptions to Article 14

While Article 14 guarantees equality, it does not mean absolute equality. The Constitution allows for reasonable classification, provided it is not arbitrary, artificial, or evasive. The classification must have a rational relation to the objective sought to be achieved by the law.

Legal Advice and Consultation

Understanding the jurisdiction and application of Article 14 can be complex. If you believe your rights under Article 14 have been violated, it is recommended that you consult with a legal professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances and guide you through the process of challenging a law or action in court.

For more information on Article 14 and its jurisdiction, you can refer to the full text of the Indian Constitution and the relevant case laws on Indian Kanoon.