Untouchability
Explanation
The Right to Equality is enshrined in Articles 14 to 18 of the Constitution of India. These articles aim to ensure equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination, equality of opportunity in public employment, and the abolition of specific social evils and titles.
Detailed Analysis:
- Apartheid is incorrect: Apartheid refers specifically to the system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that existed in South Africa. While the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race (Article 15), it does not explicitly use the term "Apartheid."
- Untouchability is correct: Article 17 of the Constitution explicitly states: "Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden." This is a specific provision under the Right to Equality designed to eradicate the historical social scourge of caste-based discrimination. Parliament enacted the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, to enforce this provision.
- Racial segregation is incorrect: While Article 15 prohibits discrimination against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, the specific phrase "Racial segregation" is not the terminology used for the abolition of a social practice in the text of the Constitution.
- Indentured servitude is incorrect: Indentured servitude relates to forced labour. The prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour (begar) is covered under Article 23, which falls under the Right against Exploitation, not the Right to Equality.
Key Takeaway:
Article 17 is an absolute right included in the Right to Equality (Articles 14–18) that explicitly abolishes "Untouchability" and criminalizes its practice in any form.