Question

Article that prohibits untouchability:
1. ​Article 15 
2. ​Article 17 
3. ​Article  39 
4. ​Article  21 

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : ​Article 17 

The correct answer is ​Article 17.

• ​Article 17:
  • Article 17 states that  "Untouchability" is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden.
  • Article 17 was passed in the Parliament by raising the slogan "Mahatma Gandhi ki Jai"
  • Untouchability has not been defined by the constitution but various court judgements have expanded its meaning.
  • It is available against both the state and private individuals.
    • Protection of Civil Rights Act,1955  contains many provisions for this.
  • Article 17 only states that the enforcement of any disability arising out of "Untouchability" shall be an offence punishable in accordance with the law.
    • Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 contains the detailed provisions for this.

•  ​Article 15 : 
  • Deals with discrimination on the basis of caste, sex, or place of birth. It means that the state should not discriminate against any citizen on these grounds.
  • It is a fundamental right.
• ​​Article  21:
  •  It provides for “Protection of Life and Personal Liberty” and reads as “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law.
  • ”The fundamental right under Article 21 is one of the most important rights provided under the Constitution which has been described as the heart of fundamental rights by the Apex Courtin Unni Krishnanscase.
  • The objective of the fundamental right under Article 21 is to prevent encroachment upon personal liberty and deprivation of life except according to the procedure established by law. It clearly means that this fundamental right has been provided against the state only.​
• ​Article 39:
  • Right to adequate means of livelihood for all citizens
  • Article 39A:  Promote equal justice and free legal aid to the poor