Which one among the following provisions of the Constitution of India prohibits forced labour such as traffic in human beings, Begar and such other similar forms of labour, but does not prevent the State from imposing compulsory service for public purposes without discrimination?

Article 23 of the Constitution of India provides for the prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour. Article 23(1) explicitly prohibits traffic in human beings, 'begar' (labour without payment), and other similar forms of forced labour, making any contravention an offence punishable by law.

However, Article 23(2) provides an important exception: it states that nothing in the article shall prevent the State from imposing compulsory service for public purposes (such as military or social service). When imposing such service, the State is prohibited from discriminating solely on grounds of religion, race, caste, or class.

• Article 24 prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in factories and hazardous industries.
• Articles 25 and 26 relate to the Right to Freedom of Religion.