Which of the following statements in terms of Article 14 of the Constitution of India is/are correct ?

1. Article 14 would apply only when invidious discrimination is meted out to equals and similarly circumstanced without any rational basis

2. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Statement 2 is correct as it verbatim reflects the text of Article 14 of the Constitution of India, which mandates that the State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.

Statement 1 is also correct as per judicial interpretation. The Supreme Court has established that Article 14 forbids class legislation but permits reasonable classification. For a classification to be valid, it must be based on an intelligible differentia and have a rational nexus to the object sought. Therefore, Article 14 is only attracted when equals or similarly circumstanced individuals are treated differently (invidious discrimination) without any rational basis. If the persons are not similarly situated, the rule of equality does not apply in the same manner.