Fundamental Rights Part-I

Total Questions: 90

31. Under what provision of the Constitution, untouchability has been abolished? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2003]

Correct Answer: (c) Article 17
Solution:Article 17 abolishes untouchability and declares that its practice in any form is forbidden and that the enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence and punishable by law.

Article 17 of the Indian Constitution helps end untouchability against lower castes. Untouchability is a criminal offense. The article is crucial to establishing equality in Indian society.

This article stipulates that anybody who violates the article infringes on citizen equality and constitutional rights. Article 17 prohibits and criminalizes such activities and practices. It ensures social fairness by eradicating untouchability. Living with honor and respect sustains a man's dignity.

Article 17 reflects the country's democracy. It says democracy seeks social equality. Such constitutional and legal safeguards are crucial for a democratic country. The disadvantaged require a guarantee that they won't be exposed to the terrible and inhuman practice of untouchability.

32. Untouchability is abolished by which Article of the Indian Constitution? [69th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2023]

Correct Answer: (c) Article 17
Solution:Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolished 'untouchability. forbade its practice in any form and made enforcement of any disability arising out of 'untouchability', an offence punishable in accordance with the law.
  • Untouchability refers to a societal practice that looks down on particular depressed groups purely because of their birth and discriminates against them on that basis. Their bodily contact was said to taint others.
  • Neither the Constitution nor the Act defines untouchability
  • These untouchable classes were not permitted to collect water from the same wells or utilize the pond/tank used by the upper castes.
  • They were not permitted to enter some temples and were subjected to a variety of other restrictions.
  • However, in one of its judgments, the Mysore High Court confirmed its meaning.
  • According to the court, the subject matter of Article 17 is not untouchable in its literal or grammatical sense but the 'practice as it had developed historically in the country.
    ∗ It refers to the social disabilities imposed on certain classes of persons because of their birth in certain castes. Hence, it does not cover the social boycott of a few individuals or their exclusion from religious services, etc
  • Due to the numerous verdicts and guidelines issued by the court, some activities will be viewed as customs of untouchability, for which a provision for punishment has also been provided.

33. Which Article of the Indian Constitution eradicates untouchability and prohibits its practice in any form? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]

Correct Answer: (b) Article 17
Solution:Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolished 'untouchability. forbade its practice in any form and made enforcement of any disability arising out of 'untouchability', an offence punishable in accordance with the law.
  • Untouchability refers to a societal practice that looks down on particular depressed groups purely because of their birth and discriminates against them on that basis. Their bodily contact was said to taint others.
  • Neither the Constitution nor the Act defines untouchability
  • These untouchable classes were not permitted to collect water from the same wells or utilize the pond/tank used by the upper castes.
  • They were not permitted to enter some temples and were subjected to a variety of other restrictions.
  • However, in one of its judgments, the Mysore High Court confirmed its meaning.
  • According to the court, the subject matter of Article 17 is not untouchable in its literal or grammatical sense but the 'practice as it had developed historically in the country.
    ∗ It refers to the social disabilities imposed on certain classes of persons because of their birth in certain castes. Hence, it does not cover the social boycott of a few individuals or their exclusion from religious services, etc
  • Due to the numerous verdicts and guidelines issued by the court, some activities will be viewed as customs of untouchability, for which a provision for punishment has also been provided.

34. In which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution, the abolition of untouchability has been guaranteed? [U.P. R.O/A.R.O. (Pre) 2017, M.P.P.C.S. (Pre), 2021]

Correct Answer: (d) Article 17
Solution:Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolished 'untouchability. forbade its practice in any form and made enforcement of any disability arising out of 'untouchability', an offence punishable in accordance with the law.
  • Untouchability refers to a societal practice that looks down on particular depressed groups purely because of their birth and discriminates against them on that basis. Their bodily contact was said to taint others.
  • Neither the Constitution nor the Act defines untouchability
  • These untouchable classes were not permitted to collect water from the same wells or utilize the pond/tank used by the upper castes.
  • They were not permitted to enter some temples and were subjected to a variety of other restrictions.
  • However, in one of its judgments, the Mysore High Court confirmed its meaning.
  • According to the court, the subject matter of Article 17 is not untouchable in its literal or grammatical sense but the 'practice as it had developed historically in the country.
    ∗ It refers to the social disabilities imposed on certain classes of persons because of their birth in certain castes. Hence, it does not cover the social boycott of a few individuals or their exclusion from religious services, etc
  • Due to the numerous verdicts and guidelines issued by the court, some activities will be viewed as customs of untouchability, for which a provision for punishment has also been provided.

35. Article 17 of the Indian Constitution deals with [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]

Correct Answer: (c) Abolition of untouchability
Solution:Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolished 'untouchability. forbade its practice in any form and made enforcement of any disability arising out of 'untouchability', an offence punishable in accordance with the law.
  • Untouchability refers to a societal practice that looks down on particular depressed groups purely because of their birth and discriminates against them on that basis. Their bodily contact was said to taint others.
  • Neither the Constitution nor the Act defines untouchability
  • These untouchable classes were not permitted to collect water from the same wells or utilize the pond/tank used by the upper castes.
  • They were not permitted to enter some temples and were subjected to a variety of other restrictions.
  • However, in one of its judgments, the Mysore High Court confirmed its meaning.
  • According to the court, the subject matter of Article 17 is not untouchable in its literal or grammatical sense but the 'practice as it had developed historically in the country.
    ∗ It refers to the social disabilities imposed on certain classes of persons because of their birth in certain castes. Hence, it does not cover the social boycott of a few individuals or their exclusion from religious services, etc
  • Due to the numerous verdicts and guidelines issued by the court, some activities will be viewed as customs of untouchability, for which a provision for punishment has also been provided.

36. Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution abolished untouchability: [Uttarakhand U.D.A./LD.A. (Pre) 2007, Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2005, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994]

Correct Answer: (b) Article 17
Solution:Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolished untouchability.
  • Untouchability refers to a societal practice that looks down on particular depressed groups purely because of their birth and discriminates against them on that basis. Their bodily contact was said to taint others.
  • Neither the Constitution nor the Act defines untouchability
  • These untouchable classes were not permitted to collect water from the same wells or utilize the pond/tank used by the upper castes.
  • They were not permitted to enter some temples and were subjected to a variety of other restrictions.
  • However, in one of its judgments, the Mysore High Court confirmed its meaning.
  • According to the court, the subject matter of Article 17 is not untouchable in its literal or grammatical sense but the 'practice as it had developed historically in the country.
    ∗ It refers to the social disabilities imposed on certain classes of persons because of their birth in certain castes. Hence, it does not cover the social boycott of a few individuals or their exclusion from religious services, etc
  • Due to the numerous verdicts and guidelines issued by the court, some activities will be viewed as customs of untouchability, for which a provision for punishment has also been provided.

37. Under which Article Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been granted fundamental, socio- economic, political and cultural rights? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]

Correct Answer: (d) Article 17
Solution:Article 17 of the Constitution provides "Abolition of untouchability, and its practice in any form is forbidden. It is a "statement of principle" with the objective to remove humiliation and multifaceted harassment meted to the Dalits and to ensure their fundamental, socio-economic, political and cultural rights.
  • Untouchability refers to a societal practice that looks down on particular depressed groups purely because of their birth and discriminates against them on that basis. Their bodily contact was said to taint others.
  • Neither the Constitution nor the Act defines untouchability
  • These untouchable classes were not permitted to collect water from the same wells or utilize the pond/tank used by the upper castes.
  • They were not permitted to enter some temples and were subjected to a variety of other restrictions.
  • However, in one of its judgments, the Mysore High Court confirmed its meaning.
  • According to the court, the subject matter of Article 17 is not untouchable in its literal or grammatical sense but the 'practice as it had developed historically in the country.
  • It refers to the social disabilities imposed on certain classes of persons because of their birth in certain castes. Hence, it does not cover the social boycott of a few individuals or their exclusion from religious services, etc
  • Due to the numerous verdicts and guidelines issued by the court, some activities will be viewed as customs of untouchability, for which a provision for punishment has also been provided.

38. Which one of the following categories of Fundamental Rights incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination? [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020]

Correct Answer: (d) Right to Equality
Solution:According to the Article 17 of the Constitution "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. Article 17 is classified under the fundamental right to equality, in the Indian Constitution.
  • Untouchability refers to a societal practice that looks down on particular depressed groups purely because of their birth and discriminates against them on that basis. Their bodily contact was said to taint others.
  • Neither the Constitution nor the Act defines untouchability
  • These untouchable classes were not permitted to collect water from the same wells or utilize the pond/tank used by the upper castes.
  • They were not permitted to enter some temples and were subjected to a variety of other restrictions.
  • However, in one of its judgments, the Mysore High Court confirmed its meaning.
  • According to the court, the subject matter of Article 17 is not untouchable in its literal or grammatical sense but the 'practice as it had developed historically in the country.
    ∗ It refers to the social disabilities imposed on certain classes of persons because of their birth in certain castes. Hence, it does not cover the social boycott of a few individuals or their exclusion from religious services, etc
  • Due to the numerous verdicts and guidelines issued by the court, some activities will be viewed as customs of untouchability, for which a provision for punishment has also been provided.

39. Prohibition and abolishment of untouchability may be achieved by- [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]

1. Making laws

2. Improving Education

3. Public Awareness

4. Providing Jobs/Services

Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2, and 3
Solution:Untouchability may be abolished by improving the education system, making laws, and increasing public awareness, but providing jobs/services to people is not a proper solution to abolish untouchability. Parliament, by the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 has declared practice of untouchability a punishable offence.
  • Untouchability refers to a societal practice that looks down on particular depressed groups purely because of their birth and discriminates against them on that basis. Their bodily contact was said to taint others.
  • Neither the Constitution nor the Act defines untouchability
  • These untouchable classes were not permitted to collect water from the same wells or utilize the pond/tank used by the upper castes.
  • They were not permitted to enter some temples and were subjected to a variety of other restrictions.
  • However, in one of its judgments, the Mysore High Court confirmed its meaning.
  • According to the court, the subject matter of Article 17 is not untouchable in its literal or grammatical sense but the 'practice as it had developed historically in the country.
    ∗ It refers to the social disabilities imposed on certain classes of persons because of their birth in certain castes. Hence, it does not cover the social boycott of a few individuals or their exclusion from religious services, etc
  • Due to the numerous verdicts and guidelines issued by the court, some activities will be viewed as customs of untouchability, for which a provision for punishment has also been provided.

40. Following are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other as Reason (R): [U.P. B.E.O. (Pre) 2019]

Assertion (A): Untouchability is worst form of structural violence.

Reason (R): Untouchability has been practiced in the name of religious sanctions.

Consider the above statements and select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Correct Answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is correct explanation of (A).
Solution:Structural violence is differentiated from personal violence and refers to preventable harm or damage to persons where no actor is committing the violence or where it is not practical to search for such violence which emerges from the unequal distribution of power and resources or, in other words, is said to be built into the structure.

Some of the form of structural violence are Racism, untouchability etc. Untouchability is an extremely disgusting aspect of caste system.

It constitutes extremely harsh social punishment against lowest castes on the scale of purity and impurity from religious and ritualistic point of view and untouchability also gets religious approval for this reason.

So, both statements (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).