Fundamental Rights
Articles 14, 15, and 21: Equality, Non-Discrimination, and Dignity
Articles 14, 15, and 21 form the core of the fundamental rights architecture in Part III of the Constitution and are frequently invoked in cases involving differential treatment of marginalised groups.
- Article 14 guarantees equality before law and equal protection of laws; it permits "reasonable classification" but prohibits arbitrary distinctions.
- Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth; the Supreme Court in Navtej Singh Johar (2018) read sexual orientation as a protected ground under Article 15.
- Article 21 has been expansively interpreted to include the right to health, dignity, and bodily autonomy — all of which petitioners argued are violated by a permanent, identity-based donation ban with no individual risk assessment pathway.
- The State's defence — that recipient safety justifies the restriction — invokes the "reasonable restriction" doctrine applicable under Articles 19 and 21, balancing individual rights against public health.
● Tracked since March 12, 2026 · last seen July 03, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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