The transition from the 'doctrine of reasonable classification' to the 'new doctrine of non-arbitrariness' under Article 14 implies which of the following conceptual shifts in Indian jurisprudence?

Explanation

The traditional test of Article 14 required an intelligible differentia and rational nexus (reasonable classification). However, starting from E.P. Royappa (1974) and solidified in Maneka Gandhi (1978), the Supreme Court introduced the 'New Doctrine', declaring that equality is dynamic and arbitrariness is its absolute antithesis. If an act of the state is arbitrary, it is a textbook violation of Article 14, bypassing the need for a comparative group classification.