Define article 17 (100words)
Answers
Answer:
Article 17 : Constitution of India
April 3, 2015 by Simply Decoded Leave a Comment
Share111
17. Abolition of Untouchability
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.
Note: Article 17 of the constitution abolishes the practice of untouchability. Practice of untouchability is an offence and anyone doing so is punishable by law. The Untouchability Offences Act of 1955 (renamed to Protection of Civil Rights Act in 1976) provided penalties for preventing a person from entering a place of worship or from taking water from a tank or well. This act lays down that whatever is open to general public (or Hindus) should be open to the members of the scheduled castes. No shopkeeper can refuse to sell them, no person may refuse to render any service to any person on the ground of untouchability. The act made provision for imprisonment and fine.
Answer:
Article 17 is considered one of the earliest manifestations of India’s effort towards bringing social reforms. By enacting this Article, the government of independent India acted earnestly to abolish the scourge of caste discrimination. The purpose behind this legislation is the liberation of society from orthodox beliefs and rituals that have lost both legal and moral base. The Constitution-makers not only provided for criminalising any form of social discrimination but also punishing those who practice such discriminations.
The ostensible objective was to put an end to humiliation and harassment faced by the dalits and backward classes and ensure that their fundamental rights are preserved. Although Article 17 doesn’t define the term ‘untouchability’, it generally means the “social restrictions” imposed on certain sections of society when it comes to accessing public places, offering prayers and performing religious services, and getting to enjoy fundamental rights.
Explanation: