Correct Option (a):
Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. It prohibits arbitrary action and ensures that all persons are treated equally under the law. Legislation that confers unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power on an executive or administrative authority creates a potential for arbitrary application of the law, which directly contravenes the principle of equality enshrined in Article 14. The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly held that unfettered discretion, without clear guidelines, leads to arbitrariness and is violative of the right to equality.
Incorrect Options:
Article 8: There is no Article 8 in the Constitution of India. This option is invalid.
Article 32: This Article provides the right to constitutional remedies, allowing individuals to approach the Supreme Court for the enforcement of their Fundamental Rights. While it is a crucial safeguard for Fundamental Rights, it deals with the enforcement mechanism rather than defining the limits of legislative power concerning administrative discretion.
Article 44: This Article is a Directive Principle of State Policy, which mandates the State to endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India. It is unrelated to the issue of administrative discretion or the principle of equality before the law.