text: any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them. 90. Equality here, however, does not mean unreal ­ istic and theoretical equality. It refers to the right to equal treatment in similar circumstances. However, the principle of equality under the Indian Constitution per­ mits reasonable classification in legislation for a well defined class which must be founded on an intelligible differentia which distinguishes persons or things that Consideration of reports submitted by States parties —India 349 are grouped together from others left out of that group, and that differentia must have a national relation to or nexus with the object sought to be achieved by such legislation. Article 17 91. Protection from unlawful interference with pri­ vacy, family and unlawful attacks on honour and repu ­ tation are protected by the Indian Constitution and other laws. Article 21 relating to the right to personal liberty and article 19 providing for the freedoms to re­ side, speech and expression etc., inter alia, offer these constitutional guarantees to individuals and citizens. These rights are closely related to the protection of pri­ vacy, etc. The Supreme Court of India in Kharak. Singh ’s case clarified this right affirmatively in 1963. Further, the Indian Penal Code treats certain acts in vio­ lation of privacy, trespass, defamation etc., as criminal offences and prescribes varying punishments. 92. When these acts do not constitute criminal of­ fences the violations could be proceeded against in civil law including the law of torts. Article 18 93. This article deals with the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The provisions of this article are of great importance to India which com­ prises of people belonging to different religions, faiths and beliefs. The secular and democratic nature of In­ dian society demands mutual tolerance of different re­
analysis: The text discusses various fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, including equality, privacy, personal liberty, and freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. These rights are essential for individual dignity and well-being, and are closely related to the protection of personal and social rights.