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Which of the following propositions BEST distinguishes Article 14's 'equality before law' from 'equal protection of laws'?
AThey are identical and have no distinct meaning
B'Equality before law' is a negative concept (no special privileges), while 'equal protection of laws' is a positive concept (like must be treated alike, allowing reasonable classification)
C'Equality before law' permits unequal treatment of unequals, while 'equal protection' bars it
DBoth concepts apply only to citizens, not to all persons
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. 'Equality before law' is a negative concept (no special privileges), while 'equal protection of laws' is a positive concept (like must be treated alike, allowing reasonable classification)
Dicey's negative formulation ('equality before law') is paired with the American positive formulation ('equal protection of laws'). The latter permits REASONABLE CLASSIFICATION based on intelligible differentia with a nexus to the legislative object.
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