Right to equality (Articles 14 to 18)
Articles 14 to 18 make everyone equal before law, ban discrimination in public places and government jobs, end untouchability, and abolish titles.
The five provisions of the right to equality
| Article | Provision | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Equality before law | No one is above the law. The law protects everyone equally and applies in the same way to all. |
| 15 | No discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth | Shops, restaurants, places of entertainment, wells, tanks and roads are open to all. The State may still make special provisions for women and children. |
| 16 | Equality of opportunity in public employment | Government jobs go by merit and qualifications. Posts can be reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. |
| 17 | Abolition of untouchability | Practising untouchability in any form is a crime punishable by law. |
| 18 | Abolition of titles | British-era titles such as Sir and Rai Bahadur ended, because they created false ranks among citizens. |
Why untouchability had to end
Untouchability means treating some people as 'impure' and keeping them at a distance because of their caste or their work, such as cleaning. For centuries, millions of Indians were kept away from wells, temples and schools in this way. Article 17 abolished it and made it a punishable offence. Sadly, the practice has not fully disappeared. A law works best when people also change their attitudes. All honest work, including cleaning, deserves respect.
Titles and awards are not the same
Military and academic distinctions are allowed. That is why a person with a doctorate may write 'Dr' before his or her name.
Equal and fair: the exceptions
- Equal treatment does not stop the State from helping those who are behind.
- Special provisions for women and children, such as schemes for girls' education, are allowed.
- Reservation of government posts for SC, ST and OBC is allowed. It is not treated as discrimination.
- These steps aim at real equality, not just equality on paper.
A government job notice is open to every qualified citizen, whatever his or her religion or caste, with some posts reserved by law. A tea stall that keeps separate cups for some castes is practising untouchability, which is a crime.
1 marks: “Which Article of the Constitution abolishes untouchability?” Article 17.
2 marks: “Name two titles abolished by the Constitution. Why were they abolished?” Sir and Rai Bahadur, given by the British. They created false differences between citizens, which goes against equality (Article 18).
3 marks: “Explain any three provisions of the right to equality.” Any three: equality before law, no one above the law (Article 14); no discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth (Article 15); equal opportunity in government jobs, with reservation allowed (Article 16); untouchability abolished and punishable (Article 17); titles abolished (Article 18).
14 to 18 in order: Law, Discrimination, Jobs, Untouchability, Titles ("Little Dogs Jump Up Tables").