Assertion (A): The Constitution… - NCERT Class 8 Political Science MCQ

NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism

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Assertion (A): The Constitution of India allows the practice of untouchability within the private sphere of a household. Reason (R): Article 17 abolishes 'untouchability' and forbids its practice in any form.

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Social & Political Life III · Page 7

Options

ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (d).

Explanation

Article 17 of the Constitution of India addresses the abolition of 'Untouchability'. It is an absolute Fundamental Right, meaning it is not subject to reasonable restrictions, and it applies to actions by private individuals as well as the State.

Statement-wise Analysis

Assertion (A): Incorrect
The Constitution does not permit the practice of untouchability in the private sphere. Article 17 explicitly forbids the practice of untouchability in "any form." The Supreme Court has interpreted that the right under Article 17 is available against private individuals, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, penalizes the enforcement of disabilities arising from untouchability without exempting private households.

Reason (R): Correct
Article 17 states: "Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden." It further declares that the enforcement of any disability arising out of 'Untouchability' shall be an offence punishable in accordance with the law. This statement accurately reflects the constitutional text.

Key Takeaway: Article 17 abolishes untouchability in absolute terms ("in any form") and serves as a self-executing provision that protects individuals against acts by both the State and private parties.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism

Assertion (A): The US model of secularism prevents the State from intervening in the affairs of religion. Reason (R): The US Constitution allows the State to provide financial aid to religious institutions for educational purposes.

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In the context of Indian Secularism, the term "Principled Distance" implies that:

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Consider the following statement regarding the practice of secularism in the United States of America: "The legislature cannot declare any religion as the official religion. Nor can they give preference to one religion." This provision is primarily derived from which of the following?

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Consider the following statements regarding the "Pugri" (turban) in the context of Indian Secularism: 1. It is considered central to a Sikh's religious practice. 2. The Indian State forces Sikhs to remove it for security checks. 3. The State does not provide any exemption from wearing a helmet for Sikhs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the "Strategy of Distancing" employed by the Indian State, consider the following: 1. Government spaces like law courts are legally mandated to display religious symbols of the majority. 2. Government schools are prohibited from celebrating any religious festival. 3. This strategy implies that the State is not ruled by any religious group. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Keep practising Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism

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