By equality it is meant that all men are equal and should be entitled to equality of treatment and income. Men are born free and always continue to live free and equal in respect of their rights. It is believed that it is self-evident that all men are created equal. In practical life, it is not true. No two men are similar in physical constitution, capacity, and temperament.


Professor Laski has remarked in this connection, “Equality does not mean the identity of treatment or the sameness of reward. If a mason gets the same reward as a mathematician or scientist, then the purpose of the society will be defeated.”


Equality therefore means, first of all the absence of social privileges. Secondly, it means that adequate opportunities are laid upon to all. The ideals of equality have insisted that men are politically equal, that all citizens are equally entitled to take part in the political life to exercise the franchise, to run for an own / hold office.


It has insisted that individuals should be equal before the law and the rights and duties shall extend to all. This means that no one shall confer special privilege or special treatment.


Dimensions:

There are four dimensions/kinds of equality: -


1. Social Equality –

Social Equality means that all the citizens are entitled to enjoy equal status in the society and no one is entitled to special privileges. There should not be any distinction of caste, creed, colour and race, groups and classes, clans and tribes. All should have an equal opportunity to develop their personality. Untouchability has been abolished and its practice has been forbidden.


2. Civil Equality –

Civil laws should treat all the individuals equally. There should not be any discrimination of superior and inferior, rich and poor, etc. In the eyes of Rule of Law, all are equal.


3. Political Equality –

It means equal access of the people to the avenues of political authority. All citizens must possess similar political rights; they should have similar voice in the working of the government and they should have equal opportunities to participate in political affairs of the country. Universal Adult Franchise is a means to this end.


4. Economic Equality –

It is closely related to political equality. Professor Laski also emphasises on association of economic equality with political equality. It refers to the idea that all individuals in a society should have similar levels of income, wealth, and access to basic resources like education, healthcare, and housing. It's often linked to the political goal of social justice and ensuring that economic disparities don't lead to unequal political power.