UPSC Prelims 2017 · Question 80 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2017 question on Equality Absence of Privileges
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2017
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectPolity
- TopicFundamental Rights
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeDirect
One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of
Show answer
Answer: A. Privileges
Verdict
The answer is privileges. Equality in society implies the absence of special privileges.
Analysis
Equality means that no section of society enjoys special privileges and that adequate opportunities are provided to all individuals without discrimination. In the constitutional scheme this appears as the abolition of titles under Article 18, equality before the law under Article 14 and the prohibition of discrimination under Article 15. Restraints are not incompatible with equality since law restrains everyone alike. Competition is compatible with equality of opportunity, and ideology is unrelated to the concept.
Source
M. Laxmikanth, Indian Polity.
How to crack it
Define the concept in its negative form, because equality is most precisely stated as the absence of something rather than the presence of it. Absence of privilege is the classical formulation and it maps directly onto the constitutional articles. Then test each remaining option by asking whether an equal society could still contain it, and restraints and competition both survive that test, which leaves only one answer.