Home The Constitution Part III Article 17

Art. 17 Part III: Fundamental Rights

Abolition of Untouchability

Exact text — Constitution of India

"Untouchability" is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of "Untouchability" shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

A short but historic Article — one of the very few Fundamental Rights that operates directly against private individuals, not just the State. It doesn't just prohibit untouchability; it makes practising it, in any form, a punishable offence. Parliament gave this teeth through the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (which replaced the earlier Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955) and the much stronger SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

If you or someone you know is denied entry to a temple, well, or public space, or faces social boycott, because of caste, this Article — combined with the SC/ST Act — gives you a direct criminal remedy, not just a civil one. Police are legally required to register an FIR for a genuine complaint under these laws.

How This Is Enforced

Laws and mechanisms that put this Article into practice

Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955

Criminalises enforcing untouchability-based disabilities — denying access to shops, temples, wells, or public services.

SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

A stronger, more specific law with fast-track special courts for caste-based atrocities.

Read alongside this one

Art. 15 — Prohibition of Discrimination Art. 338 — National Commission for Scheduled Castes

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 17

Is untouchability still a real, prosecuted crime today?

Unfortunately yes — cases are still registered and prosecuted, particularly in rural areas, and the SC/ST Act's fast-track courts exist precisely because this remains an active enforcement issue, not just a historical one.

Does this Article protect against ALL forms of discrimination, or specifically caste-based untouchability?

Specifically untouchability practices — for broader religion/caste/sex discrimination generally, Article 15 is the relevant provision, though the two often apply together in caste-discrimination cases.

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The text above reproduces Article 17 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.