Constitutional Law Quiz: Article 14

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Questions and Answers

What is required for reasonable classification under Article 14?

Classification must be based on personal biases.

Classification must have a rational nexus to the object of the statute. (correct)

Classification must apply equally to all individuals.

Classification must be arbitrary.

Article 14 allows for class legislation without any conditions.

False

The scheme that provided liberalized benefits to pensioners who retired after _______ was challenged.

April 1, 1979

What does 'intelligible differentia' mean in the context of classification?

A clear and justifiable difference that distinguishes one group from another. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following conditions with their definitions:

Intelligible Differentia = Clear basis of classification Rational Nexus = Connection between classification and legislative goal Article 14 = Prohibition of class legislation Pension Scheme = Differentiation based on retirement date Signup and view all the answers

Who were the petitioners challenging the pension scheme?

Retired civil servants and armed forces members Signup and view all the answers

The pension given to retirees before April 1, 1979, was higher than that of those who retired after this date.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the basis for differentiating pensioners in the revised pension scheme?

Their date of retirement. Signup and view all the answers

What is Article 14 of the Indian Constitution primarily concerned with?

Equality before the law Signup and view all the answers

Classification based on the date of retirement is deemed rational and principled in the context of pension distribution.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the two tests under Article 14 of the Constitution of India?

Test of Reasonable Classification and Test of Proportionality Signup and view all the answers

The classification of pensioners based on a specified date is considered __________.

invalid Signup and view all the answers

Match the tests of Article 14 with their components:

Test of Reasonable Classification = Rational Nexus Test of Proportionality = Ensuring no arbitrary discrimination Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly expresses a provision concerning pensioners under the 1972 rules?

All pensioners are entitled to receive pensions as computed under the liberalized scheme. Signup and view all the answers

The division of pensioners into classes based on retirement date is constitutional under Article 14.

False Signup and view all the answers

What outcome did the court declare for pensioners governed by the 1972 rules?

They shall be entitled to pension as computed under the liberalized pension scheme from the specified date. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Article 14 Overview

Article 14 prohibits class legislation but allows reasonable classification for legislative purposes.
Reasonable classification must be based on an intelligible differentia that distinctly groups individuals or entities.
The differentia must have a rational connection to the objective of the statute in question.

D.S. Nakara v. Union of India (1983)

The case clarified the interpretation of reasonable classification under Article 14.
Emphasized the necessity for a causal connection between the basis of classification and the statute's objectives.

Pension Scheme Revision

The Union of India revised its pension scheme, differentiating benefits based on the retirement date.
Pensioners retiring after April 1, 1979, received more liberalized benefits compared to those who retired earlier.
Petitioners included a retired civil servant from 1972 and an armed forces member, each receiving significantly lower pensions.

Legal Framework and Provisions

Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection within India.
The legal tests under Article 14 involve:
- Test of Reasonable Classification:
  - Intelligible Differentia
  - Rational Nexus
- Test of Proportionality

Key Issues Raised

Determination of whether pensioners under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules form a coherent class.
Examination of whether the date of retirement is a valid criterion for differentiating pension benefits under a new calculation formula.
Challenge against the classification based on retirement date for its arbitrary nature.

Court's Findings

The classification of pensioners created two groups based on a specified date was deemed arbitrary and lacking a rational basis.
The ruling highlighted that all pensioners under the 1972 Rules and Army Pension Regulations are entitled to the benefits of the liberalized pension scheme from the specified date, regardless of retirement date.

Conclusions on Classification

The choice of retirement date for classification was criticized as arbitrary and ineffective.
The ruling stated that there should be no classification among retired government employees solely based on the retirement date.

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Description

Test your understanding of Article 14 of the Constitution, which addresses the principles of class legislation and reasonable classification. This quiz will explore key cases like D.S. Nakara v. Union of India and the importance of intelligible differentia in legal contexts.