Question

Explain the constitutional and legal measures undertaken to eradicate untouchability.

Answer 1

Constitutional measures:

1. Article 15- Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth
2. Article 16-Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment
3. Article 17- Abolition of Untouchability.

Legal Measures:

• The Untouchability Offences Act, 1955- Among other things it provides penalties for Preventing a person on the ground of untouchability from entering a place of public worship, offering prayers therein or taking water from a sacred tank, well or spring.
• The Untouchability Offence Act, 1955 has been replaced by the Protection of the Civil Rights Act after amendment on 1976. It had proposed stringent measures against those who still practice untouchability.