Question

Which Constitutional provision abolishes untouchability in India?

• A. Article 14
• B. Article 15
• C. Article 17
• D. Article 21

Hint:

Article 17 is one of the very few absolute Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution.
This means it has no exceptions or qualifications, and its violation is strictly punishable under the Protection of Civil Rights Act.
Memorizing this article is essential for all general and sociology-specific competitive papers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the specific article within the Constitution of India that constitutionally abolishes the practice of untouchability.
This is a core question regarding state-led efforts to eliminate caste discrimination and establish social justice.

Step 2: Key Approach:
The approach involves identifying the key legal and constitutional mechanisms designed to protect marginalized communities in India.
These provisions are located within the Fundamental Rights (Part III) of the Indian Constitution, championed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Analysis of Article 17: Article 17 of the Indian Constitution explicitly states: "Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden."

• Punishable Offense: The article further declares that the enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offense punishable in accordance with the law.

• Implementation Acts: To give practical effect to this constitutional provision, the Parliament enacted the Untouchability (Offenses) Act in 1955, which was later amended and renamed the Protection of Civil Rights Act in 1976.

• Analysis of Option A (Article 14): Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to all citizens, but does not explicitly target untouchability.

• Analysis of Option B (Article 15): Article 15 prohibits discrimination against citizens on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, but does not dedicate itself solely to abolishing untouchability.

• Analysis of Option D (Article 21): Article 21 guarantees the fundamental right to life and personal liberty, which has been broadly interpreted by the judiciary but is distinct from the specific abolition of untouchability.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct article is Article 17, which corresponds to Option (C).