Understanding equality

By: Palak Kataria

Equality is widely understood as the principle of ensuring equal treatment and reward for all individuals, irrespective of their background or characteristics. It is often demanded as a fundamental and natural right. It is commonly stated that all individuals are born natural and free, with inherent dignity and worth.

However, despite its strong emotional appeal and moral significance, the notion of natural and absolute equality for everyone cannot be fully accepted and realised in practical terms. People inherently possess unique physical features, intellectual capacities, and abilities. Some may exhibit greater strength, while others may have limitations and variations in intelligence and capabilities.

Therefore, acknowledging the inherent diversity among individuals, complete uniformity in treatment and rewards become impractical and unfeasible. Instead, a more nuanced understanding of equality emerges, recognising that rewards should be commensurate with individuals’ actual abilities and contributions. Hence, equality does not imply an absolute and total leveling of all differences and outcomes.

However, the concept of equality does incorporate the principle of protection against discrimination and seeks to address the disparities faced by marginalised or disadvantaged groups in society.

In the Indian political system, the right to equality is granted to all individuals, and specific provisions are incorporated to provide special protection, facilities, and reservations for persons belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities, women, and children, aiming to uplift and empower these groups and ensure a more equitable society.