Article 14

Plain English Explanation

Article 14 guarantees two things: (1) Equality before law — the state cannot treat any person differently, (2) Equal protection of laws — persons in similar circumstances must be treated similarly. This article protects against arbitrary state action. However, it allows "reasonable classification" — the state can treat different groups differently if there is an intelligible differentia (clear distinction) and a rational nexus (logical connection) between that distinction and the object of the law. For example, different tax rates for different income groups are valid.