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Q5 (IAS/2017) Polity & Governance › Fundamental Rights, DPSP & Fundamental Duties › Right to Equality Official Key

One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of

Result
Your answer:  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The correct answer is option A: Privileges.

The term 'equality' means the absence of special privileges to any section of the society[1]. This concept is further reinforced in the context of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, where equality before the law is described as implying the absence of any special privilege by reason of birth, creed or the like, in favour of any individual[2]. The first step towards bringing about equality is ending the formal system of inequality and privileges, as social, economic and political inequalities have been protected by customs and legal systems that prohibited some sections of society from enjoying certain kinds of opportunities and rewards[3].

Equality does not imply the absence of competition; in fact, competition between people in free and fair conditions is considered the most just and efficient way of distributing rewards in a society, and as long as competition is open and free, inequalities are unlikely to become entrenched[4]. Restraints and ideology are not what equality seeks to eliminate—rather, equality focuses on removing unearned advantages and special privileges that create unjust social hierarchies.

Sources
  1. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > III Liberty > p. 45
  2. [2] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > p. 100
  3. [3] Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Establishing Formal Equality > p. 45
  4. [4] Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > LET'S DO IT > p. 43
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Q. One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of [A] Privileges [B] Restraints [C] Competition [D] Ideology
At a glance
Origin: Mixed / unclear origin Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 5/10 · 0/10

This is a textbook 'Sitter' if you read NCERT Political Theory, but a 'Trap' if you rely only on guidebooks. It tests the normative definition of political concepts rather than constitutional articles. The key is realizing UPSC asks 'What does X imply?' using standard political science definitions found in Class XI NCERT.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Does equality in society imply the absence of privileges?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > p. 100
Presence: 5/5
“While equality before the law is a somewhat negative concept Article 14: Equality implying the absence of any special privilege by reason of birth, creed or the like, in favour of any individual and the Equal Protection of the Laws. equal subjection of all classes to the ordinary law-equal protection of the laws is a more positive concept, implying the right to equality of treatment in equal circumstances The concept of equality and equal protection of laws in its proper spectrum encompasses social and economic justice in a political democracy.​. The principle of "equality" is the essence of democracy and accordingly a basic​. feature of Constitution.​.”
Why this source?
  • Defines 'equality' (Article 14) as implying the absence of any special privilege by reason of birth, creed etc.
  • Frames equality as equal subjection to ordinary law and equal protection — directly negating special privileges.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > III Liberty > p. 45
Presence: 5/5
“The ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity in our Preamble have been taken from the French Revolution (1789-1799). The term 'equality' means the absence of special privileges to any section of the society,”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states the Preamble's term 'equality' means absence of special privileges to any section of society.
  • Provides a clear, concise normative formulation linking equality to non-existence of privileged sections.
Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Establishing Formal Equality > p. 45
Presence: 4/5
“The first step towards bringing about equality is, of course, ending the formal system of inequality and privileges. Social, economic and political inequalities all over the world have been protected by customs and legal systems that prohibited some sections of society from enjoying certain kinds of opportunities and rewards. Poor people were not granted the right to vote in a large number of countries. Women were not allowed to take up many professions and activities. The caste system in India prevented people from the 'lower' castes from doing anything except manual labour. In many countries only people from some families could occupy high positions.”
Why this source?
  • Identifies ending the formal system of inequality and privileges as the first step towards bringing about equality.
  • Gives historical/social mechanisms (customs, legal systems) that protected privileges and must be removed for equality.
Statement 2
Does equality in society imply the absence of restraints?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Freedom > SWARAJ > p. 20
Strength: 5/5
“Both these aspects of freedom — the absence of external constraints as well as the existence of conditions in which people can develop their talents — are important. A free society would be one which enables all its members to develop their potential with the minimum of social constraints. No individual living in society can hope to enjoy total absence of any kind of constraints or restrictions. It becomes necessary then to determine which social constraints are justified and which are not, which are acceptable and which should be removed. To understand which social constraints are necessary, discussions on freedom need to look at the core relationship between the individual and the society (or group, community, or state) within which she/he is placed.”
Why relevant

Defines freedom as including both absence of external constraints and the presence of conditions to develop talents; notes some social constraints are necessary and must be evaluated.

How to extend

A student can use this to argue that equality might coexist with justified social restraints by checking examples where societies impose equal rules while enabling equal development (e.g., laws that regulate behavior but provide public goods).

Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > p. 100
Strength: 5/5
“While equality before the law is a somewhat negative concept Article 14: Equality implying the absence of any special privilege by reason of birth, creed or the like, in favour of any individual and the Equal Protection of the Laws. equal subjection of all classes to the ordinary law-equal protection of the laws is a more positive concept, implying the right to equality of treatment in equal circumstances The concept of equality and equal protection of laws in its proper spectrum encompasses social and economic justice in a political democracy.​. The principle of "equality" is the essence of democracy and accordingly a basic​. feature of Constitution.​.”
Why relevant

Explains 'equality before the law' as absence of special privilege and ‘equal subjection’ to ordinary law—implying rules/restraints can apply equally to all.

How to extend

One could extend this by examining constitutional/legal systems where uniform legal restraints exist yet are presented as promoting equality (e.g., anti-discrimination laws applied to everyone).

Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Equality of Opportunities > p. 36
Strength: 4/5
“The concept of equality implies that all people, as human beings, are entitled to the same rights and opportunities to develop their skills and talents, and to pursue their goals and ambitions. This means that in a society people may differ with regard to their choices and preferences. They may also have different talents and skills which results in some being more successful in their chosen careers than others. But just because only some become ace cricketers or successful lawyers, it does not follow that the society should be considered unequal. In other words, it is not the lack of equality of status or wealth or privilege that is significant but the inequalities in people's access to such basic goods, as education, health care, safe housing, that make for an unequal and unjust society.”
Why relevant

Distinguishes equality of opportunity from identical outcomes, focusing on access to basic goods rather than removing all differences or restraints.

How to extend

A student might test whether removing particular restraints actually affects access to education/health, thus evaluating whether equality requires removing restraints or ensuring equal access despite constraints.

Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > Right to Constitutional Remedies > p. 33
Strength: 4/5
“of status and equality of opportunity. Equality of opportunity means that all sections of the society enjoy equal opportunities. But in a society where there are various kinds of social inequalities, what does equal opportunity mean? The Constitution clarifies that the government can implement special schemes and measures for improving the conditions of certain sections of society: children, women, and the socially and educationally backward classes. You may have heard about 'reservations' in jobs, and in admissions. You would have wondered why there are reservations if we follow the principle of equality. In fact Article 16(4) of the constitution explicitly clarifies that a policy like reservation will not be seen as a violation of right to equality.”
Why relevant

Notes that the Constitution allows special measures (reservations) that are exceptions to formal equality to improve conditions—showing equality can involve targeted restraints or differential rules.

How to extend

Use this to explore cases where legal exceptions/restrictions are introduced to achieve substantive equality, assessing whether such restraints contradict or promote equality.

Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Natural and Social Inequalities > p. 37
Strength: 3/5
“Equality Equality are different from socially-produced inequalities which emerge as a consequence of inequalities of opportunity or the exploitation of some groups in a society by others. Men are superior to women. It is a natural inequality. You can't do anything about it. I get more marks than you in every subject. And I also help my mother in housework. What makes you superior? Natural inequalities are considered to be the result of the different characteristics and abilities with which people are born. It is generally assumed that natural differences cannot be altered. Social inequalities on the other hand are those created by society.”
Why relevant

Contrasts natural inequalities (unchangeable) with social inequalities (socially produced), suggesting some differences arise from social structures and restraints rather than inherent traits.

How to extend

A student could investigate whether removing social restraints (e.g., discriminatory practices) reduces inequalities, thereby testing whether equality requires elimination of specific restraints.

Statement 3
Does equality in society imply the absence of competition?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > LET'S DO IT > p. 43
Presence: 5/5
“Competition between people in free and fair conditions is the most just and efficient way of distributing rewards in a society. For them, as long as competition is open and free, inequalities are unlikely to become entrenched and people will get due reward for their talents and efforts. For liberals the principle of competition is the most just and efficient way of selecting candidates for jobs or admission to educational institutions. For instance, in our country many students hope for admission to professional courses and entry is highly competitive. From time to time, the government and the courts have stepped in to regulate educational institutions and the entrance tests to ensure that everybody gets a fair and equal chance to compete.”
Why this source?
  • Directly states that competition in free and fair conditions is a just and efficient way of distributing rewards.
  • Explicitly links open competition with preventing entrenched inequalities, implying competition can coexist with equality.
Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Equality of Opportunities > p. 36
Presence: 4/5
“The concept of equality implies that all people, as human beings, are entitled to the same rights and opportunities to develop their skills and talents, and to pursue their goals and ambitions. This means that in a society people may differ with regard to their choices and preferences. They may also have different talents and skills which results in some being more successful in their chosen careers than others. But just because only some become ace cricketers or successful lawyers, it does not follow that the society should be considered unequal. In other words, it is not the lack of equality of status or wealth or privilege that is significant but the inequalities in people's access to such basic goods, as education, health care, safe housing, that make for an unequal and unjust society.”
Why this source?
  • Defines equality in terms of equal rights and opportunities rather than identical outcomes.
  • Points out that differing success (e.g., ace cricketers, lawyers) does not make a society unequal, implying competition need not be absent.
Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Social Equality > p. 39
Presence: 4/5
“In the absence of such facilities it is exceedingly difficult for all the members of the society to compete on equal terms. Where equality of opportunity does not exist a huge pool of potential talent tends to be wasted in society. In India, a special problem regarding equal opportunities comes not just from lack of facilities but from some of the customs which may prevail in different parts of country, or among different groups. Women, for instance, may not enjoy equal rights of inheritance in some groups, or there may be social prohibitions regarding their taking part in certain kinds of activities, or they may even be 39”
Why this source?
  • Explains that absence of equal facilities prevents fair competition, implying that equality of opportunity is a precondition for meaningful competition.
  • Highlights that without equal opportunities a pool of talent is wasted, reinforcing that competition is compatible with equality when opportunities are equal.
Statement 4
Does equality in society imply the absence of ideology?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > p. 31
Strength: 5/5
“This chapter is about the concept of equality, a value that is also enshrined in our Constitution. In reflecting on this concept it examines the following questions: • o What is equality? Why should we be concerned about this moral and political ideal?• o Does the pursuit of equality involve treating everyone the same way in every condition?• o How may we pursue equality and minimise inequality in different spheres of life?• o How do we distinguish between different dimensions of equality political, economic and social? In the course of understanding and answering these questions, you would encounter some important ideologies of our time — socialism, marxism, liberalism and feminism.”
Why relevant

This snippet explicitly links the study of equality to encountering major ideologies (socialism, marxism, liberalism, feminism), suggesting equality is discussed within ideological frameworks.

How to extend

A student could check how each named ideology defines or pursues equality (e.g., liberalism vs socialism) to see whether equality presupposes or is independent of ideology.

Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Natural and Social Inequalities > p. 43
Strength: 5/5
“Equality Equality Marxism and liberalism are two important political ideologies of our times. Marx was an important nineteenth century thinker who argued that the root cause of entrenched inequality was private ownership of important economic resources such as oil, or land, or forests, as well as other forms of property. He pointed out that such private ownership did not only make the class of owners wealthy, it also gave them political power. Such power enables them to influence state policies and laws and this could prove a threat to democratic government. Marxists and socialists feel that economic inequality provides support to other forms of social inequality such as differences of rank or privilege.”
Why relevant

It gives a concrete ideological argument (Marx) that locates the root of inequality in private property and connects economic inequality to political power — showing equality is a topic of ideological analysis.

How to extend

One could map Marxist prescriptions (e.g., redistribution, public ownership) against non-ideological notions of equality to test whether achieving equality requires ideological commitments.

Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > 3.3 THREE DIMENSIONS OF EQUALITY > p. 38
Strength: 4/5
“After considering what kind of social differences are unacceptable we need to ask what are the different dimensions of equality that we may pursue or seek to achieve in society. While identifying different kinds of inequalities that exist in society, various thinkers and ideologies have highlighted three main dimensions of equality namely, political, social and economic. It is only by addressing each of these three different dimensions of equality can we move towards a more just and equal society.”
Why relevant

Describes three distinct dimensions of equality (political, social, economic), implying that 'equality' is a multifaceted concept which different ideologies may prioritize differently.

How to extend

A student could compare which dimensions various ideologies emphasize (e.g., political vs economic) to judge whether equality necessarily entails an ideological stance.

Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > Right to Constitutional Remedies > p. 33
Strength: 4/5
“of status and equality of opportunity. Equality of opportunity means that all sections of the society enjoy equal opportunities. But in a society where there are various kinds of social inequalities, what does equal opportunity mean? The Constitution clarifies that the government can implement special schemes and measures for improving the conditions of certain sections of society: children, women, and the socially and educationally backward classes. You may have heard about 'reservations' in jobs, and in admissions. You would have wondered why there are reservations if we follow the principle of equality. In fact Article 16(4) of the constitution explicitly clarifies that a policy like reservation will not be seen as a violation of right to equality.”
Why relevant

Shows constitutional allowance for special measures (reservations) to achieve equality of opportunity, indicating policy choices reflecting normative stances rather than a neutral absence of ideology.

How to extend

Using basic knowledge of policy debates, a student could consider whether implementing reservations requires ideological positions about justice and equality.

Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Equality of Opportunities > p. 36
Strength: 3/5
“The concept of equality implies that all people, as human beings, are entitled to the same rights and opportunities to develop their skills and talents, and to pursue their goals and ambitions. This means that in a society people may differ with regard to their choices and preferences. They may also have different talents and skills which results in some being more successful in their chosen careers than others. But just because only some become ace cricketers or successful lawyers, it does not follow that the society should be considered unequal. In other words, it is not the lack of equality of status or wealth or privilege that is significant but the inequalities in people's access to such basic goods, as education, health care, safe housing, that make for an unequal and unjust society.”
Why relevant

Defines equality in terms of equal access to basic goods (education, health, housing), framing equality as an objective with concrete policy implications.

How to extend

A student could list practical measures needed to secure those goods and ask whether choosing and prioritizing such measures implies ideological commitments.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC consistently picks one abstract concept (Liberty, Equality, Law, State) every year and asks for its primary implication. These are almost always verbatim definitions from the first 4 chapters of NCERT Political Theory Class XI.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct lift from NCERT Class XI Political Theory (Chapter 3: Equality) and Laxmikanth (Preamble chapter).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Political Theory > Core Concepts. Specifically, the distinction between 'Equality' (Absence of Privilege) and 'Liberty' (Absence of Restraints).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize these NCERT definitions: 1) Liberty = Absence of restraints (Negative) + Conditions for development (Positive). 2) Justice = Rawls' Veil of Ignorance / Fair distribution. 3) Rights = Claims recognized by society, sanctioned by law. 4) Rule of Law = Absence of arbitrary power. 5) Fraternity = Dignity of individual + Unity of nation.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Stop memorizing Articles (14-18) in isolation. Ask 'Why do these exist?'. Article 14 exists to remove 'Privilege'. Article 19 exists to manage 'Restraints'. UPSC Prelims has shifted from 'Which Article?' to 'What is the philosophical implication?'.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Formal equality: absence of special privileges
💡 The insight

Multiple references (constitutional and political theory) equate equality with removal of special privileges and equal subjection to law.

High-yield for polity: explains the constitutional ideal (Article 14, Preamble) and is frequently tested in questions on equality, discrimination and fundamental rights. Master by linking textual sources (Preamble, Article 14) with NCERT explanations; useful for essays, Mains answers and domicile/rights-related prelim questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > p. 100
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > III Liberty > p. 45
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Establishing Formal Equality > p. 45
🔗 Anchor: "Does equality in society imply the absence of privileges?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Equality of opportunity vs. differential treatment (reservations)
💡 The insight

References distinguish equal worth/outcomes from access to basic goods and note constitutional allowance for special schemes (reservations) to secure equal opportunities.

Essential for UPSC: frames debate on reservations, affirmative action and social justice. Frequently appears in prelim and mains (ethics, polity, GS papers). Prepare by studying NCERT concepts of opportunity vs outcome and constitutional provisions permitting remedial measures; practice applying these to policy questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Equality of Opportunities > p. 36
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > Right to Constitutional Remedies > p. 33
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > LET'S THINK > p. 50
🔗 Anchor: "Does equality in society imply the absence of privileges?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Equality ≠ Uniform Treatment (Opportunity vs Outcome)
💡 The insight

Several references question whether equality requires treating everyone exactly the same or eliminating all differences, showing equality aims at fair access rather than identical results.

High-yield for Polity and GS essays: distinguishes formal equality from substantive equality and underpins debates on social justice and public policy. Mastering this helps answer questions on affirmative action, welfare policy and constitutional intent; prepare by comparing NCERT treatments of 'equality' and practising answer frameworks that separate equality of opportunity from equality of outcome.

📚 Reading List :
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Equality of Opportunities > p. 36
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES IN INDIA > p. 34
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES IN INDIA > p. 35
🔗 Anchor: "Does equality in society imply the absence of restraints?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Affirmative Measures within Equality (Reservations as permitted exception)
💡 The insight

The text explicitly states that special schemes like reservations are consistent with the constitutional principle of equality and are not violations of it.

Crucial for UPSC Polity and governance topics: explains how equality can coexist with targeted state action. Useful for questions on Article 16, social justice and policy design. Study NCERT exposition and constitutional provisions to frame answers on legitimacy and limits of affirmative action.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > Right to Constitutional Remedies > p. 33
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > p. 100
🔗 Anchor: "Does equality in society imply the absence of restraints?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Freedom, Constraints, and Justified Social Restraints
💡 The insight

Discussion on freedom notes both absence of external constraints and necessary social conditions, and that total absence of constraints is impossible—relevant to whether equality requires no restraints.

Useful across Polity, Ethics and GS: helps evaluate normative claims about liberty vs regulation and judge which social constraints are justified. Practice by linking the concept to examples of justified/unjustified constraints and by contrasting freedom and equality in answers.

📚 Reading List :
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Freedom > SWARAJ > p. 20
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Equality of Opportunities > p. 36
🔗 Anchor: "Does equality in society imply the absence of restraints?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Equality of opportunity vs equality of outcome
💡 The insight

References distinguish equal rights/opportunities from identical outcomes, directly addressing whether equality requires absence of competition.

High-yield for polity and political theory questions; frequently tested in essays and mains (debates on redistribution, affirmative action). Mastering this helps answer questions about policy design (reservations, welfare) and ideological positions (liberalism vs egalitarianism). Prepare by contrasting examples and constitutional provisions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Equality of Opportunities > p. 36
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES IN INDIA > p. 34
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Natural and Social Inequalities > p. 37
🔗 Anchor: "Does equality in society imply the absence of competition?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Fair/open competition as a mechanism within equality
💡 The insight

Sources state that competition under free and fair conditions distributes rewards justly and prevents entrenched inequality, showing compatibility of competition with equality.

Useful for questions on market mechanisms, meritocracy, and state regulation; connects to debates on regulation of entrance tests, economic policy and social justice. Practice by linking theoretical claims to policy examples (educational admission, labour markets).

📚 Reading List :
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > LET'S DO IT > p. 43
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Social Equality > p. 39
🔗 Anchor: "Does equality in society imply the absence of competition?"
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Since they asked about Equality (Absence of Privilege), the sibling fact is 'Liberty'. The classic definition of Negative Liberty is 'Absence of Restraints'. Expect a future question asking: 'What is the primary implication of Liberty?' -> Answer: Absence of restraints (or opportunity to develop oneself).

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use the 'Antonym Test'. What is the opposite of Equality? Inequality. Historically, inequality was defined by 'Privilege' (Aristocracy vs Commoners). Therefore, Equality must mean the death of Privilege. 'Restraints' is the antonym of Liberty. 'Competition' is a mechanism, not a definition. 'Ideology' is a container for these concepts. Option A is the only historical and logical fit.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS2 (Social Justice) & GS4 (Ethics): The concept of 'Absence of Privilege' is the bedrock of the 'Conflict of Interest' debate in Ethics. If a civil servant accepts a VIP perk, they violate the core constitutional value of Equality. Use this definition to critique VIP culture in Mains answers.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CAPF · 2016 · Q84 Relevance score: -3.15

What is meant by Social Equality?

IAS · 2019 · Q85 Relevance score: -3.21

In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty?

NDA-II · 2009 · Q24 Relevance score: -4.20

Socialism is opposed to

CDS-II · 2010 · Q80 Relevance score: -4.64

Formal or procedural democracy does not by any means guarantee ...

CDS-I · 2011 · Q7 Relevance score: -5.10

Statement I : The principle of equality before the law is not applicable to the President of India. Statement II : The President of India enjoys some special privileges under the Constitution of India.