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 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Article 17 abolishes 'untouchability' and forbids its practice in any form, making enforcement of any disability arising from it a punishable offence.
• Article 17 lies within Articles 14–18, the group titled 'Right to Equality' — option (d).
• The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 gives it teeth.
• Right against Exploitation (a) covers Articles 23–24 (trafficking, forced labour, child labour); Right to Freedom (b) is Articles 19–22; Constitutional Remedies (c) is Article 32.
• Hence option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Right against Exploitation
- Articles 23–24 cover trafficking and forced labour, not untouchability.
- (b) Right to Freedom
- Articles 19–22 are the freedoms; Article 17 is not among them.
- (c) Right to Constitutional Remedies
- Article 32 is the remedy provision.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.