---
title: "Article 14: Equality Before Law Explained | Model Diplomat"
description: "Article 14 ensures equality before the law in India, protecting all individuals and guiding key legal principles and landmark cases in the judiciary."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/article-14-equality-before-law"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees every person equality before the law and the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
- What is the difference between 'equality before the law' and 'equal protection of the laws' in Article 14?
- What is the reasonable classification test under Article 14?
- How did Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India change Article 14 jurisprudence?
- Does Article 14 protect non-citizens and companies?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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Example

In Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code, holding that the adultery law violated Article 14 by treating women as subordinate to their husbands.

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