Context:
Article in The Indian Express on Anwar Ali Sarkar case (1952) that led to SC providing a framework for Article 14
Reasonable Classification:
- A legal doctrine established by the Supreme Court of India to determine when a law can deviate from the right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution.
- According to Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, the State shall not deny equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
- However, it allows for reasonable classification, meaning different situations can be treated differently if there is a valid justification.
- It allows the state to create special provisions for specific groups if they are based on valid and justifiable criteria for policy reasons.
- The doctrine ensures that equal treatment is given to equals, but different treatment can be given to unequals.
- Twin Test for Reasonable Classification –
- Intelligible Differentia – The law must classify people or situations based on clear and rational differences (such as economic status, occupation, or gender).
- Rational Nexus with the Law’s Objective – There must be a reasonable connection between the classification and the objective of the law.
- The doctrine differentiates between Reasonable Classificationand Class Legislation
- While Reasonable Classification guarantees equitable and just treatment based on real and substantial distinctions, Class legislations arbitrarily grants privileges to a specific group and is unconstitutional.
Source: IE
Previous Year Question
A legislation which confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of application of law violates which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India?
[UPSC Civil Services Examination – 2021 Prelims]
(a) Article 14
(b) Article 28
(c) Article 32
(d) Article 44
Answer: (a)
