Untouchability is banned under Article 17 of the Indian Constitution. This article abolishes the practice of untouchability in any form and makes it a punishable offense under the law.

Constitutional Provisions:

1. Article 17 of the Indian Constitution: Abolition of Untouchability

The Constitution of India under Article 17 abolishes the practice of untouchability in any form. It provides that “Untouchability” is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of “Untouchability” shall be an offense punishable in accordance with law.

2. Article 15(2) and 15(4): Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth

Article 15(2) prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It states that no citizen shall be discriminated against on any of these grounds in matters of access to shops, public restaurants, hotels, and places of public entertainment, or in the use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads, and places of public resort maintained wholly or partly out of the State funds or dedicated to the use of the general public.

Article 15(4) provides for the reservation of seats in educational institutions for socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

3. Article 16(2): Equality of opportunity in public employment

Article 16(2) prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, residence, or any of them in matters of public employment. It states that no citizen shall be ineligible for, or discriminated against in respect of, any employment or office under the State on any of these grounds.

Conclusion:

Thus, the Constitution of India provides for the abolition of untouchability and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It aims to ensure equality of opportunity and social justice for all citizens of India. These provisions are a step towards building an inclusive and egalitarian society.