Article 17 Abolishes Untouchability in India

The Constitution of India is built upon the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. To ensure social equality and eradicate deep-rooted social evils, the Constitution includes several fundamental rights. One such critical provision is the abolition of untouchability.

Understanding Article 17

Article 17 of the Indian Constitution is dedicated to the abolition of untouchability. It directly addresses this social menace by stating:

• "Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden."
• "The enforcement of any disability arising out of 'untouchability' shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law."

This means that any custom or practice that treats people as 'untouchable' is illegal and cannot be enforced by any court. Furthermore, practicing untouchability is a punishable offense as defined by law.

Constitutional Provisions Against Untouchability

Article 17 is a crucial step towards establishing a truly egalitarian society. It makes untouchability a punishable offense, thereby ensuring that this practice cannot continue.

Related Constitutional Articles

While Article 17 specifically targets untouchability, other articles also promote equality and prohibit discrimination:

• Article 14: Guarantees the right to equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to all persons within the territory of India.
• Article 15: Prohibits discrimination by the State against any citizen on grounds solely of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It also allows the State to make special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens.
• Article 16: Guarantees equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State, prohibiting discrimination on similar grounds as Article 15.

Therefore, Article 17 stands out as the specific provision that directly abolishes the practice of untouchability.