Which one of the following categories of Fundamental Rights incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination?
Correct Answer: Option D
The Right to Equality (Articles 14-18) ensures protection against discrimination by the State based on religion, caste, race, sex, or place of birth.
Article 14 guarantees equal privileges and opportunities for all citizens.
Article 15 prohibits the State from discriminating against any citizen based solely on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Article 16 ensures that no citizen is discriminated against or deemed ineligible for employment or office under the State based solely on religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, or residence.
Article 17 abolishes ‘untouchability’ and prohibits its practice in any form. This directly addresses untouchability as a form of discrimination.
Article 18 abolishes all titles, both national and foreign, that create artificial distinctions in social status.
Therefore, the Right to Equality incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination.