Article 17
Abolition of Untouchability
Article 17 of the Constitution of India abolishes untouchability and makes its practice in any form a punishable offence. It is a Fundamental Right — enforceable against both the state and private individuals — and is one of the few Fundamental Rights that creates a positive obligation to eliminate a specific social practice.
- Article 17: "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."
- Enabling legislation: Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955 (originally Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955) — penalises untouchability practices
- Scope: Unlike most FRs that bind only the state, Article 17 binds private individuals too
- Scheduled Caste definition: Article 341 — SCs are notified by Presidential Order; lists are state-specific; Parliament can include or exclude groups from SC lists
- Social exclusion dimensions: denial of entry to temples, wells, restaurants, common lands, public roads — all captured under PCR Act and SC/ST Act
● Tracked since February 12, 2026 · last seen May 05, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
05 May '26
Any casteist exclusion cannot be part of religion, says Supreme Court
Polity & Governance
16 Apr '26
Finally, Rohit Vemula Bill to safeguard SC/ST students gets Cabinet nod
Polity & Governance
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