Equality clause, embodied in Article 14, does not speak of mere formal equality before the law but embodies the concept of real and substantive equality which strikes at the inequalities arising on account of vast social and economic differentiation and is thus consequently an essential ingredient of social and economic justice. The concept of equality has been held basic to the rule of law and is regarded as the most fundamental postulate of republicanism. In Indra Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain, AIR 1975 SC 2299 , the majority of the Supreme Court has held that the right to equality conferred in Article 14 if a Basic Structure of the Constitution and an essential feature of democracy or rule of law. Article 14 outlaws discrimination in a general way and guarantees equality before law to all persons. In view of a certain amount of indefiniteness attached to general principle of equality enunciated in Article 14, separate provision to cover specific discriminatory situations have bee...