UPSC Prelims 2020 · GS Paper I
Question 4: Polity and Governance
Which one of the following categories of Fundamental Rights incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. It sits in Part III within the Right to Equality (Articles 14 to 18), alongside equality before law, no discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, equal opportunity in public employment and abolition of titles. Untouchability is treated as a form of social discrimination, so equality is its home.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: Articles 23 and 24 cover trafficking, forced labour and child labour in hazardous work.
- (b) Wrong: Articles 19 to 22 cover freedoms such as speech, movement and protection in arrest.
- (c) Wrong: Article 32 is the remedy for enforcing rights and does not define untouchability's abolition.
- (d) Right: Article 17 falls within Articles 14 to 18, the Right to Equality.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.