Source: https://indialawyers.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/arbitrary-actions-of-the-state-are-in-conflict-with-article-14-right-to-equality-of-the-constitution-of-india/
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 22:28:41+00:00

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It is now too well-settled that every State action, in order to survive, must not be susceptible to the vice of arbitrariness which is the crux of Article 14 of the Constitution and basic to the rule of law, the system which governs us. Arbitrariness is the very negation of the rule of law. Satisfaction of this basic test in every State action is sine qua lion to its validity and in this respect, the State cannot claim comparison with a private individual even in the field of contract. This distinction between the State and a private individual in the field of contract has to be borne in the mind. The meaning and true import of arbitrariness is more easily visualized than precisely stated or defined. The question, whether an impugned act is arbitrary or not, is ultimately to be answered on the facts and in the circumstances of a given case.
An obvious test to apply is to see whether there is any discernible principle emerging from the impugned act and if so, does it satisfy the test of reasonableness. Where a mode is prescribed for doing an act and there is no impediment in following that procedure, performance of the act otherwise and in a manner which does not disclose any discernible principle which is reasonable, may itself attract the vice of arbitrariness.
“Law has reached its finest moments”, stated Douglas, J. in United States v. Wunderlick, (*), “when it has freed man from the unlimited discretion of some ruler … Where discretion is absolute, man has always suffered”. It is in this sense that the rule of law may be said to be the sworn enemy of caprice. Discretion, as Lord Mansfield stated it in classic terms in the case of John Wilker (*), “means sound discretion guided by law. It must be governed by rule, not humour: it must not be arbitrary, vague and fanciful.” After Jaisinghani’s case (supra), long strides have been taken in several well-known decisions of this Court expanding the scope of judicial review in such matters. It has been emphasized time and again that arbitrariness is anathema to State action in every sphere and wherever the vice percolates, this Court would not be impeded by technicalities to trace it and strike it down. This is the surest way to ensure the majesty of rule of law guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
Where an act is arbitrary it is implicit in it that it is unequal both according to political logic and constitutional law and is therefore violative of Art. 14. State Policy : The sweep of Article 14 covers all state action .Non arbitrariness and fairness are the two immobile and unalterable cornerstone of a legal behaviour baseline. Every action even a change of policy in any relam of state activity has to be informed fair and non arbitrary. In E. P. ROYAPPA Vs.STATE OF TAMIL NADU & ANR.
It is now well-settled as a result of the decisions of this Court in E. P. Rayappa v. State of Tamil Nadu, and ….. the decisions of this Court in E. P. Rayappa v. State of Tamil Nadu (supra) therefore, and Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, (1978) S.C. 248, that Art. 14 strikes at arbitrariness in State action and ensures fairness and equality of treatment. It requires that State action must not be arbitrary but must be based on some rational and relevant principle which is non-discriminatory: It must not be guided by any extraneous or irrelevant considerations, because that would be denial of equality.The principle of reasonableness and rationality which is legally as well as philosophically an essential element of equality or non-arbitrariness is projected by Art. 14 and it must characterize every State action, whether it be under authority of law or in exercise of executive power without making of law. The State cannot, therefore, act arbitrarily in entering into relationship, contractual or otherwise with a third party, but its action must conform to some standard or norm which is rational and non-discriminatory. In Ramana Dayaram Shetty Vs International Airport Authority Of India And Others (1979 AIR(SC) 1628 ) .
Really helpful article. I’m from science background but still loves to read articles on Indian Constitution. I daily used to read one topic from here. Thanks for providing these kind of knowledge.

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