Which one of the following provides for the complete equality of men and women in India?

The Constitution of India provides for the complete equality of men and women primarily through Articles 14 and 15. Article 14 guarantees 'equality before the law' and 'equal protection of the laws' to all persons within India [4]. Article 15 specifically prohibits discrimination by the State against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth [6]. Together, these articles form the bedrock of gender equality, ensuring that women are treated as equals to men in legal status and are protected from discriminatory practices. In contrast, the Fifth Schedule deals with the administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribes [5], the Indian Independence Act was the legislation for the transfer of power in 1947, and Article 20 provides protection in respect of conviction for offences [2].

Sources

1. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > RIGHTS OUTSIDE PART III > p. 106
2. [4] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > p. 100
3. [3] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > p. 110
4. [6] https://www.cwds.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Constitutional-Gurantees.pdf
5. [5] http://tribal.nic.in/FRA/data/LandandGovernanceunderFifthSchedule.pdf
6. [2] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 35: TABLES > FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS > p. 527