Right To Equality

Equality means that everyone has the same rights and opportunities, ensuring a fair and just society. **Privileges:** They are the opposite of equality because they represent unearned advantages enjoyed by a select few, contradicting the principle that all individuals should have the same rights and opportunities. **Restraints:** Some restrictions are necessary to maintain fairness, protect rights, and prevent harm (e.g., laws against discrimination). These restraints can coexist with equality rather than opposing it. **Competition:** A society can be both competitive and equal if opportunities are fairly distributed. Competition can drive innovation and progress, but it does not inherently contradict equality. **Ideology:** The impact of ideology on equality depends on its nature. Some ideologies promote social justice and equal rights, while others reinforce inequalities. However, ideology itself is not inherently opposed to equality.

Untouchability is a form of discrimination that violates the principle of equality among citizens, regardless of caste. To uphold this principle, Article 17 of the Constitution explicitly abolishes untouchability, making it one of the five rights under the broader Right to Equality (Articles 14-18). Therefore, the correct answer is option D.

* The legislation described would violate Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. * Article 14 guarantees Equality Before Law and Equal Protection of Laws. This means that laws must be applied fairly and consistently, and everyone should be treated equally under the law. * Legislation that gives unchecked power to the executive or administration to apply the law violates this principle. **Option B is incorrect.** Article 28 is related to the right to freedom of religion. **Option C is incorrect.** Article 32 confers the right to remedies for the enforcement of the fundamental rights of an aggrieved citizen. Article 32 affirms the right to move the Supreme Court if a fundamental right is violated. Under this article, the Supreme Court can issue writs for the enforcement of any of the fundamental rights of the citizens. **Option D is incorrect.** Article 44 provides for one of the Directive Principles of State Policy. Article 44 says that the State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.

* **Option (a) is correct:** The concept of **'Due Process of Law'** primarily means that the procedure through which a person is deprived of life or liberty must be **fair, just, and reasonable**, following the **principles of natural justice**. It ensures that laws are not only enacted properly but also applied fairly and reasonably. * **Option (b) is not correct:** The phrase **'Procedure established by law'**, used in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, refers to any procedure laid down by law, even if it is unfair. However, after the **Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)** judgment, the Supreme Court read into Article 21 the American concept of **‘Due Process of Law’**, ensuring fairness and reasonableness in both substance and procedure. * **Option (c) is not entirely correct:** While fair application of law is part of due process, the phrase ‘Due Process of Law’ has a broader meaning that encompasses **substantive fairness, procedural justice, and conformity with natural justice.** Hence, option (a) captures its essence more accurately. * **Option (d) is not correct:** Equality before law (Article 14) is a distinct constitutional principle and not equivalent to due process.