NCERT Class 9 Political Science — Chapter 4: Democratic rights

mcqeasy

Assertion (A): The practice of 'untouchability' is a punishable offence under the Indian Constitution. Reason (R): It is a form of social stratification that denies specific communities access to public resources and dignity.

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

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

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolishes "untouchability" and forbids its practice in any form. It declares that the enforcement of any disability arising out of "untouchability" shall be an offence punishable in accordance with the law. This provision is absolute and applicable against both the State and private individuals.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Assertion (A): Correct. The Constitution, under Article 17, not only abolishes untouchability but also mandates that any disability enforced on this ground is a punishable offence. Parliament exercised its power under Article 35 to enact the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (originally the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955) to prescribe punishments for such offences.
Reason (R): Correct. Untouchability is fundamentally a rigid form of social stratification that segregates individuals based on birth, denying them social equality, dignity, and access to public spaces and resources.

Justification for Option (a):

The Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A). The Constitution makers made the practice of untouchability a punishable offence because it is a regressive social practice that denies basic human dignity and equal access to public resources. The legal prohibition (A) is the direct consequence of the need to eradicate the social evil described in (R).

Key Takeaway:

Article 17 is unique as it abolishes a social practice and makes it a punishable offence, aiming to secure dignity and equality as promised in the Preamble.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Democratic rights

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognizes which of the following? 1. It recognizes the right to work. 2. It explicitly excludes the right to social security and insurance. 3. It recognizes the right to an adequate standard of living. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Consider the following statements regarding the "Right to Education" in India: 1. It is a Fundamental Right. 2. It guarantees free and compulsory education to all children up to the age of 18. 3. It places the responsibility solely on parents, not the government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements about the "National Human Rights Commission" (NHRC): 1. It is appointed by the President. 2. It consists exclusively of serving police officers. 3. It cannot present findings to the government or intervene in court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Under the Right to Constitutional Remedies, a citizen whose Fundamental Rights have been violated has the right to:

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Which one of the following pairs of Fundamental Rights and their provisions is NOT correctly matched?

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Keep practising Chapter 4: Democratic rights

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The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Assertion (A): Correct. The Constitution, under Article 17, not only abolishes untouchability but also mandates that any disability enforced on this ground is a punishable offence. Parliament exercised its power under Article 35 to enact the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (originally the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955) to prescribe punishments for such offences.
Reason (R): Correct. Untouchability is fundamentally a rigid form of social stratification that segregates individuals based on birth, denying them social equality, dignity, and access to public spaces and resources.

Justification for Option (a):

Key Takeaway:

Article 17 is unique as it abolishes a social practice and makes it a punishable offence, aiming to secure dignity and equality as promised in the Preamble.