Previous Year Question
One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of
Privileges
Restraints
Competition
Ideology
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
A principal implication of equality is that no individual, family, class or group should enjoy special privileges merely because of birth, caste, religion, sex, ancestry, property or social position. Therefore, the correct answer is the absence of privileges.
Equality does not require identical treatment of every person in every situation. It means:
Equal treatment of persons placed in similar circumstances.
Equal moral worth of all individuals.
Absence of unjust social and legal privileges.
Fair access to opportunities.
Prohibition of discrimination on irrelevant grounds such as caste, religion or sex.
Permission for special measures to secure genuine equality for historically disadvantaged groups.
The constitutional framework of equality is contained in Articles 14 to 18:
Article 14: Equality before law and equal protection of laws.
Article 15: Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
Article 16: Equality of opportunity in public employment.
Article 17: Abolition of untouchability.
Article 18: Abolition of titles.
The abolition of titles under Article 18 prevents artificial social hierarchies based on inherited or State-conferred distinctions. Military and academic distinctions are, however, permitted.
Option (b) is incorrect because a society based on equality may still impose lawful restraints to protect public order and the rights of others. Option (c) is incorrect because fair competition is not inconsistent with equality; inequality arises when initial opportunities are seriously unequal. Option (d) is incorrect because equality is itself a political and moral value, not the absence of all ideology.
Equality does not prohibit reservations or special provisions. Articles 15 and 16 permit special measures for socially and educationally backward classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other specified groups. Such measures seek to achieve real or substantive equality, rather than merely formal equality.