Polity · 18 Jul 2026

Article 14 rational nexus test

Consider the following Assertion (A) and Reason (R) regarding the objections raised against Gujarat's Anti-Radicalisation Cell (ARC) Standard Operating Procedures: Assertion (A): Listing indicators such as keeping a beard or wearing a niqab alongside indicators such as dual-use chemical purchases, without any distinguishing hierarchy, raises a concern under Article 14 of the Constitution. Reason (R): Article 14's guarantee of equal protection requires that any classification made by the state bear a rational nexus to the objective it seeks to achieve. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Assertion and Reason?

ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Tests the ability to connect a specific fact pattern to the precise constitutional doctrine (rational nexus/intelligible differentia) rather than a generic recognition that fundamental rights are implicated.

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This question is based on: When the Watchlist Reads Faith as Evidence: The Constitutional Problem With Gujarat's ARC SOPs
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About this question

Why in news

CPI(M) MP John Brittas and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi have objected to Gujarat's Anti-Radicalisation Cell SOPs, alleging they list religious practices such as beard-growing and niqab-wearing as radicalisation indicators alongside genuine security red flags.

Why for UPSC

UPSC's Assertion-Reasoning format tests precise doctrinal understanding; here it probes whether the candidate can connect the specific fact pattern (an undifferentiated indicator list) to the specific constitutional test (rational nexus) rather than a generic "fundamental rights violated" reading.

Prelims summary

Article 14's equal protection guarantee requires state classifications to have a rational nexus to their stated objective. An indicator list mixing religious markers with genuine security red flags, without differentiation, fails this test.

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