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UPSC Prelims 2020 · Polity · Fundamental Rights & Writs
Which one of the following categories of Fundamental Rights incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination?
- (a) Right against Exploitation
- (b) Right to freedom
- (c) Right to constitutional remedies
- (d) Right to equality
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Right to equality
Article 17 abolishes untouchability and sits in the Right to Equality (Arts. 14–18).
The idea
Right to Equality = Art. 14 (equality before law), 15 (no discrimination), 16 (public employment), 17 (untouchability), 18 (titles). Art. 17 is enforced through the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and is available against private persons too.
Art. 14–18: Equality → Art. 17: untouchability abolished → PCR Act 1955 punishes it
Why the others are wrong
(a) Right against Exploitation (Arts. 23–24) covers trafficking, begar, forced labour and child labour.
(b) Right to Freedom (Arts. 19–22) covers speech, movement, life and liberty, arrest safeguards.
(c) Art. 32 is the remedy, not the substantive protection.
The trap
Untouchability feels like exploitation, which pulls you to (a). Classify by the Article number.
🔒 Equality 14–18 · Freedom 19–22 · Exploitation 23–24 · Religion 25–28 · Culture & Education 29–30 · Remedies 32.
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