In essence, what does Due Process of Law mean?

Question

Accepted Answer

Due Process of Law is a principle that ensures the procedure used to make a law is free from arbitrariness and irrationality. Natural justice is an expression of English common law, involving a procedural requirement of fairness.Thus, in the principle of Due Process of Law, fair play is ensured by giving every party a right to be heard, which in essence is Audi Alteram Partem or the rule of fair hearing (hear the other side), which is the very basis of the principle of natural justice.To remove arbitrariness, the Supreme Court of India recognized the principle of Due Process of Law in the Maneka Gandhi case. In short, Natural Justice implies fairness, reasonableness, equity, and equality.Natural Justice represents higher procedural principles developed by judges, which every administrative agency must follow in taking any decision adversely affecting the rights of a private individual.Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.Source: Introduction To The Constitution Of India by DD Basu