Right to Fair Trial Under Article 14 – Complete Constitutional Guide 2026

Article 14 and Fair Trial

Article 14 requires that: all persons are equal before the law, the law must apply equally to all in similar circumstances, courts must be impartial and independent, and no person can be discriminated against in legal proceedings. The right to a fair trial is implicit in Article 14.

Any procedure that is arbitrary or discriminatory violates Article 14.

Principles of Natural Justice

The principles of natural justice, derived from Article 14, include: nemo judex in causa sua (no one can be a judge in their own cause), audi alteram partem (hear the other side), and reasoned decision (speaking order). These principles are essential for a fair trial.

Violation of natural justice can vitiate the entire proceeding.

Landmark Supreme Court Judgments

Key cases on Article 14 and fair trial include: Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India (1978) - Article 14 is not just a rule against arbitrary laws but also against arbitrary procedure, A.K. Kraipak vs Union of India (1969) - principles of natural justice apply to administrative proceedings, and Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985) - right to livelihood is part of right to life.

These judgments have expanded the scope of fair trial rights.

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