---
title: "Proportionality Test: Meaning and Four Prongs"
description: "The proportionality test is a judicial standard used to evaluate if state restrictions on rights are legitimate and balanced against individual harm."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/proportionality-test"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The proportionality test is a judicial standard that assesses whether a state restriction on a fundamental right is legitimate, suitable, necessary, and balanced against the harm it causes.
- What are the four prongs of the proportionality test?
- How does the proportionality test differ from Wednesbury reasonableness?
- When did the proportionality test become authoritative in Indian constitutional law?
- Why is the balancing limb of proportionality controversial?

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

The proportionality test is a judicial standard that assesses whether a state restriction on a fundamental right is legitimate, suitable, necessary, and balanced against the harm it causes.

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In Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020), the Supreme Court of India applied the proportionality test to internet shutdown orders in Jammu and Kashmir, holding that indefinite suspension was impermissible.

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