UPSC Prelims 2020 Q4: Indian Polity – Fundamental Rights
- (a) Right against Exploitation
- (b) Right to Freedom
- (c) Right to Constitutional Remedies
- (d) Right to Equality
Answer: (d) Right to Equality
Explanation
Untouchability Protection: Which Fundamental Right Category?
| Fundamental Right Category | Covers Discrimination? | Covers Untouchability? |
|---|---|---|
| Right against Exploitation (A19-20) | Yes - child labour, forced labour | No - not about caste |
| Right to Freedom (A19) | Civil freedoms - speech, assembly | No - about liberties |
| Right to Constitutional Remedies (A32-35) | Remedies to enforce FRs | No - procedural |
| Right to Equality (A14-18) | Equality before law + no discrimination | YES - Article 17 abolishes untouchability |
Article 17 under Right to Equality explicitly states: 'Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden.' This is the foundational protection against caste discrimination.
Answer: (d) Right to Equality.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Right against Exploitation (A19-20) covers child labour and forced labour, not untouchability.
- (b) Incorrect. Right to Freedom (A19) covers civil liberties - speech, movement, profession. Not caste discrimination.
- (c) Incorrect. Right to Constitutional Remedies (A32-35) are procedural remedies to enforce FRs, not substantive protections.
- (d) CORRECT. Right to Equality (Articles 14-18) incorporates protection against untouchability via Article 17 which states: 'Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden.'
Key point
Article 17 (Right to Equality section): 'Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden.' This is the constitutional foundation against caste discrimination. Answer: Right to Equality.
Remember
Protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination is incorporated in the Right to Equality category, specifically through Article 17 of the Constitution, which abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. Correct answer: (d).
Common mistakes
- Confusing Article 17 placement. It is in Part III (Fundamental Rights) under the Right to Equality section (Articles 14-18), not a separate category.
- Assuming caste discrimination is covered under Article 19 (Freedom). Article 19 is about civil liberties, not social discrimination.
- Missing that abolition of untouchability is a CORE VALUE of the Constitution reflecting the framers' commitment to social justice.
Exam tip
Article 17 key line: 'Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden.' Violation of Article 17 can lead to prosecution under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (now Prevention of Atrocities Act). This is an enforceable FR.
Sources
- Constitution of India - Articles 14-18 (Right to Equality) and Article 17
- Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955