Constitution Section 17 — Abolition of Untouchability

Part III — FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS — Right to Equality

Constitutional

Summary

Untouchability is completely ended, and it is illegal to practice it in any way. If someone imposes any disadvantage or restriction on another person because of untouchability, that action is a crime and can be punished as the law provides.

Official Text

“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.

Related Judgments

STATE OF KARNATAKA vs APPA BALU JNGALE AND ORS — Supreme Court of India (1992)
SUKANYA SHANTHA vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS — Supreme Court of India (2024)
UNION OF INDIA vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ORS — Supreme Court of India (2019)
KIRAN vs RAJKUMAR JIVRAJ JAIN & ANR — Supreme Court of India (2025)
PRATHVI RAJ CHAUHAN vs UNION OF INDIA & OTHERS — Supreme Court of India (2020)
a Private Limited Company incorporated; under the Companies Act, 2013; vs 1. Eminence Landmarks LLP, Limited Liability Partnership, registered — Bombay High Court (Mumbai Principal Seat) (2025)