A
The principle of natural justice
B
The procedure established by law
C
Fair application of law
D
Equality before law
Correct answer: (a) The principle of natural justice
Explanation
- A
The principle of natural justice
The principle of natural justice. That is the essence UPSC keyed for due process.
- B
The procedure established by law
The procedure established by law. That is the Article 21 phrase; due process is the stricter American cousin.
- C
Fair application of law
Fair application of law. Close, but not the keyed essence.
- D
Equality before law
Equality before law. Article 14, not due process.
Summary. Official key is (a). In this paper ‘due process of law’ is keyed as the principle of natural justice — hearing, bias rule, reasoned action — rather than Article 21’s ‘procedure established by law’, fair application, or Article 14 equality.