Question

What are the legal measures undertaken to check untouchability?

Answer 1

Indian law does not permit the practice of untouchability. Article 17 of the Constitution of India bans the practice. The enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability is an offence punishable in accordance with law. The directive principles of the state policy laid down in the Constitution of India also categorically rule against untouchability. The government of India has passed the Untouchability Act, 1955, to eliminate any form of caste-based discrimination. To eradicate the caste-based discrimination, the government introduced the reservation system, meaning that it has reserved seats in educational institutes and government services for Dalits.