Which of the following articles grant the 'Right to Equality' to citizens of India?

NIA - 29 January 2023

Forensic Nursing & Indian laws

Easy

Appeared in: NIA - 29 January 2023

Explanation

The correct option identifies Articles 14-18 as the group of articles that grant the 'Right to Equality' in the Indian Constitution.
This fundamental right ensures equality before the law, prohibits discrimination on various grounds, provides for equality of opportunity in public employment, abolishes untouchability, and abolishes titles.
Article 14 guarantees equality before the law for all citizens.
Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Article 16 ensures equal opportunity in public employment.
Article 17 abolishes the practice of untouchability.

Option A: This option is incorrect because it includes Article 13, which defines laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights, and omits Article 18 (Abolition of titles), which is part of the Right to Equality.
Option C: This option is incorrect because it omits the crucial Articles 14 and 15 and includes Articles 19 and 20, which are part of the 'Right to Freedom', not the 'Right to Equality'.
Option D: This option is incorrect because it omits Article 14 (Equality before law) and includes Article 19, which belongs to the 'Right to Freedom'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Although a non-medical question, the principle of equality is a cornerstone of nursing ethics. Nurses must provide care without discrimination based on a patient's religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
This constitutional guarantee supports the nurse's role as a patient advocate, ensuring all individuals have equal access to healthcare services and are treated with dignity.
What if? If a nurse witnesses a colleague providing preferential treatment to a patient from a similar background while neglecting another, the nurse has an ethical and legal obligation to intervene and report the discriminatory behavior to uphold the principle of equality in care.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question, which is the 'Right to Equality' as per the Indian Constitution.
Recall or look for the specific group of articles that define this fundamental right.
Systematically evaluate each option to see which one matches the correct range of articles.
The 'Right to Equality' is defined by Articles 14 through 18.
Eliminate options that include articles from other fundamental rights (like Article 19, 'Right to Freedom') or omit articles from the 'Right to Equality' group.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Handbook of Forensic Nursing Suresh Sharma p. 50-52