This is a classic 'Index-based' question. It tests the structural classification of Fundamental Rights rather than deep legal interpretation. If you know the 6 broad headings of Part III (Articles 12-35), this is a 10-second kill. It rewards clarity over depth.
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Does the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India prohibit traffic in human beings?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA > p. 138
Presence: 5/5
“Article 23: Right against Exploitation. As an adjunct to the guarantee of personal liberty and the prohibition against discrimination, our Constitution lays down certain provisions to prevent exploitation of the weaker sections of the society by unscrupulous individuals or even by the state. Article 23 says: Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour. (1) Traffic in human beings and begar and other similar forms of forced labour are prohibited and any contravention of this provision shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law. (2) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from imposing compulsory service for public purposes, and in imposing such service the State shall not make any discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste or class or any of them.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly cites Article 23 and states: 'Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour.'
- Declares traffic in human beings and begar as prohibited and punishable by law.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > II I Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour > p. 93
Presence: 5/5
“II 1 Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour Article 23 prohibits traffic in human beings, begar (forced labor) and other similar forms of forced labor. Any contravention of this provision shall be an offense punishable in accordance with law. This right is available to both citizens and non-citizens. It protects the individual not only against the State but also against private persons. The expression 'traffic in human beings' include (a) selling and buying of men, women and children like goods; (b) immoral traffic in women and children, including prostitution; (c) devadasis; and (d) slavery. 1b punish these acts, the Parliament has implemented the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 13 , 1956.”
Why this source?
- States Article 23 prohibits traffic in human beings and forced labour and gives examples of 'traffic' (selling/buying, immoral traffic, slavery).
- Notes the right protects individuals against both the State and private persons and applies to citizens and non-citizens.
Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS > Right against E against E against Exploitation > p. 83
Presence: 4/5
“Right against E t against Et against Exploitation Once the right to liberty and equality is granted, it follows that every citizen has a right not to be exploited. Yet the Constitution makers thought was necessary to write down certain clear provisions to prevent exploitation of the weaker sections of the society. The Constitution mentions three specific evils and declares these illegal. First, the Constitution prohibits 'traffic in human beings'. Traffic here means selling and buying of human beings, usually women, for immoral purposes. Second, our Constitution also prohibits forced labour or begar in Begar is a practice where the worker is forced to render service to the 'master' free of charge or at a nominal remuneration.”
Why this source?
- NCERT passage identifies 'traffic in human beings' as one of the specific evils the Constitution expressly prohibits.
- Provides a plain description: traffic means selling and buying of human beings, usually women, for immoral purposes.
Statement 2
Does the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India prohibit forced labour?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA > p. 138
Presence: 5/5
“Article 23: Right against Exploitation. As an adjunct to the guarantee of personal liberty and the prohibition against discrimination, our Constitution lays down certain provisions to prevent exploitation of the weaker sections of the society by unscrupulous individuals or even by the state. Article 23 says: Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour. (1) Traffic in human beings and begar and other similar forms of forced labour are prohibited and any contravention of this provision shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law. (2) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from imposing compulsory service for public purposes, and in imposing such service the State shall not make any discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste or class or any of them.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly cites Article 23 titled 'Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour'.
- States forced labour (begar and similar forms) are prohibited and punishable by law.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > II I Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour > p. 93
Presence: 5/5
“The term 'begar' means compulsory work without remuneration. It was a peculiar Indian system under which the local zamindars sometimes used to force their tenants to render services without any payment. In addition to begar, the Article 23 prohibits other 'similar forms of forced labour' like 'bonded labour'. The term 'forced labour' means compelling a person to work against His/her will. The word 'force' includes not only physical or legal force but also force arising from the compulsion of economic circumstances, that is, working for less than the minimum wage. In this regard, the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976; the Minimum Wages Act, 1948; the Contract Labour Act, 1970 and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 were made.”
Why this source?
- Explains Article 23's scope: prohibits begar and other 'similar forms of forced labour' including bonded labour.
- Defines 'forced labour' and notes legal measures enacted in response (e.g., Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act).
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > RIGHT AGAINST EXPLOITATION > p. 37
Presence: 5/5
“In our country there are millions of people who are underprivileged and deprived. They may be subjected to exploitation by their fellow human beings. One such form of exploitation in our country has been begar or forced labour without payment. Another closely related form of exploitation is buying and selling of human beings and using them as slaves. Both of these are prohibited under the Constitution. Forced labour was imposed by landlords, moneylenders and other wealthy persons in the past. Some form of bonded labour still continues in the country, specially in brick kiln work. It has now been declared a crime and it is punishable.”
Why this source?
- States that forms of exploitation such as begar/forced labour are prohibited under the Constitution.
- Notes historical context (forced labour by landlords) and that such practices are now crimes and punishable.
Statement 3
Does the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India envisage the abolition of untouchability?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"The Right against Exploitation contained in Articles 23–24, lays down certain provisions to prevent exploitation of the weaker sections of the society by individuals or the State.[44] Article 23 prohibits human trafficking, making it an offence punishable by law, and also prohibits forced labour"
Why this source?
- Identifies the scope of the Right against Exploitation as Articles 23–24.
- Specifically lists human trafficking and forced labour as the matters covered.
- Because it enumerates trafficking and forced labour without mentioning untouchability, it indicates untouchability is not within Articles 23–24's stated scope.
"In this connection, the abolition of untouchability is the greatest thing that we have done and posterity will be very proud of this. While discussing this question in the Fundamental Rights Committee, we also raised another point. We were anxious to consider the abolition of"
Why this source?
- Discusses abolition of untouchability as a distinct item and as a major achievement.
- States the matter was discussed in the Fundamental Rights Committee, implying it was considered separately in framing Fundamental Rights (not grouped under Articles 23–24).
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2020 TEST PAPER > p. 758
Strength: 4/5
“1 Select the correct answer using the code given below: Ca) I and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only Ce) 1,2 and 3 only Cd) 1,2 and 4 only • 4. Which one of the following categories of Fundamental Rights incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination? • (a) Right against Exploitation• (b) Right to Freedom • (c) Right to Constitutional Remedies • (d) Right to Equality • 5. In India, separation of judiciary from the executive is enjoined by • (a) the Preamble of the Constitution • (b) a Directive Principle of State Policy • Cc) the Seventh Schedule • (d) the conventional practice • (t.”
Why relevant
This exam-style item contrasts categories of Fundamental Rights and asks which incorporates protection against untouchability, implying untouchability belongs to a specific Fundamental Right category (test of classification).
How to extend
A student could use this to check which named Fundamental Right (Right to Equality vs Right against Exploitation) is usually linked with untouchability in standard texts or a list of Articles.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > D I Abolition of Untouchability > p. 84
Strength: 5/5
“Article 17 abolishes 'untouchability' and forbids its practice in any form. The enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law. In 1976, the Untouchability (Offences) Act has been comprehensively amended and renamed as the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 to enlarge the scope and make penal provisions more stringent. The act defines civil right as any right accruing to a person by reason of the abolition of untouchability by Article 17 of the Constitution. The term 'untouchability' has not been defined either in the Constitution or in the Act. However, the Mysore High Court held that the subject matter of Article 17 is not untouchability in its literal or grammatical sense but the 'practice as it had developed historically in the country'.”
Why relevant
Explicitly states Article 17 'abolishes untouchability' and discusses enforcement and related penal statutes, identifying the specific Article that addresses untouchability.
How to extend
Using a Constitution text or table of Articles, a student could locate Article 17 vs Article 23 and see which Article number corresponds to Right against Exploitation.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2017 TEST PAPER > p. 751
Strength: 4/5
“t 2017 TEST PAPER • 1. Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India? • (a) Liberty of thought • (b) Economic liberty • (c) Liberty of expression • (d) Liberty of belief • 2. The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in which of the following? I • (b) The Fundamental Rights• (c) The Directive Principles of State Policy• (d) The Fundamental Duties • 3. Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India? • 1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour • 2.”
Why relevant
A test question asks which matters are 'envisaged by the Right against Exploitation' and begins by listing prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour—illustrating the scope of that Right.
How to extend
A student can compare the enumerated subjects of Right against Exploitation (from syllabus or Article list) with the subject 'untouchability' to see if it appears among them.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA > p. 138
Strength: 5/5
“Article 23: Right against Exploitation. As an adjunct to the guarantee of personal liberty and the prohibition against discrimination, our Constitution lays down certain provisions to prevent exploitation of the weaker sections of the society by unscrupulous individuals or even by the state. Article 23 says: Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour. (1) Traffic in human beings and begar and other similar forms of forced labour are prohibited and any contravention of this provision shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law. (2) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from imposing compulsory service for public purposes, and in imposing such service the State shall not make any discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste or class or any of them.”
Why relevant
Summarises Article 23 as prohibiting traffic in human beings and forced labour, showing the defined content of Right against Exploitation.
How to extend
A student could contrast Article 23's explicit prohibitions with Article 17's content to judge whether abolition of untouchability falls under Article 23.
Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS > Right to Equality > p. 80
Strength: 5/5
“The Constitution mentions one extreme form of social discrimination, the practice of untouchability, and clearly directs the government to put an end to it. The practice of untouchability has been forbidden in any form. Untouchability here does not only mean refusal to touch people belonging to certain castes. It refers to any belief or social”
Why relevant
Explains that abolition of untouchability is addressed under the Right to Equality and that the practice is forbidden, indicating a different constitutional Right deals with untouchability.
How to extend
A student could use this rule (untouchability under Right to Equality) plus a list of Fundamental Rights to eliminate Right against Exploitation as the source for abolition of untouchability.
Statement 4
Does the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India provide protection of the interests of minorities?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA > p. 138
Presence: 5/5
“Article 23: Right against Exploitation. As an adjunct to the guarantee of personal liberty and the prohibition against discrimination, our Constitution lays down certain provisions to prevent exploitation of the weaker sections of the society by unscrupulous individuals or even by the state. Article 23 says: Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour. (1) Traffic in human beings and begar and other similar forms of forced labour are prohibited and any contravention of this provision shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law. (2) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from imposing compulsory service for public purposes, and in imposing such service the State shall not make any discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste or class or any of them.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly describes Article 23 (Right against Exploitation) as prohibiting traffic in human beings and forced labour.
- States the Article aims to prevent exploitation of 'weaker sections of the society', a category that can include minorities.
- Specifies the State must not discriminate on grounds of religion, race, caste or class when imposing compulsory service, indicating protection against discriminatory treatment.
Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: Secularism > p. 122
Presence: 4/5
“What holds true of individuals also holds for communities. The most fundamental interest of minorities must not be harmed and must be protected by constitutional law. This is exactly how it is in the Indian Constitution. Minority rights are justified as long as these rights protect their fundamental interests. At this point someone might still say that minority rights are special privileges which come with some costs to others. Why then should such special privilege be given? This question can be best answered by another example. Consider that a film is being shown in an auditorium on the first floor.”
Why this source?
- Affirms that the fundamental interests of minorities must be protected by constitutional law in India.
- Places minority protection as a general constitutional principle that supports reading anti‑exploitation rules as protecting minority interests.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > Table 8.5 Rights under Article 19 and the Grounds of Restrictions > p. 87
Presence: 3/5
“This right underlines the idea that India is one unit so far as the citizens are concerned. Thus, the purpose is to promote national feeling and not parochialism. The grounds of imposing reasonable restrictions on this freedom are, two, namely, the interests of general public and the protection of interests of any scheduled tribe. The entry of outsiders in tribal areas is restricted to protect the culture, language, customs and manners of scheduled tribes and to safeguard their traditional vocation and properties against exploitation. The Supreme Court held that the freedom of movement of prostitutes can be restricted on the ground of public health and in the interest of public morals.”
Why this source?
- Shows constitutional restrictions (on entry into tribal areas) exist to protect culture, language and property of scheduled tribes against exploitation.
- Provides an example where constitutional law explicitly links prevention of exploitation to protection of a minority group (scheduled tribes).
Statement 5
Does the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India prohibit the employment of children in factories and mines?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > Fli Prohibition of Employment of Children in Factories, etc. > p. 93
Presence: 5/5
“Prohibition of Employment of Children in Factories, etc. Article 24 prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years in any factory, mine or other hazardous activities like construction work or railway. But it does not prohibit their employment in any harmless or innocent work. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, is the most important law in this direction. In addition, the Employment of Children Act, 1938; the Factories Act, 1948; the Mines Act, 1952; the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958; the Plantation Labour Act, 1951; the Motor Transport Workers Act, 1951; Apprentices Act, 1961; the Bidi and Cigar Workers Act, 1966; and other similar acts prohibit the employment of children below certain age.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly cites Article 24 as prohibiting employment of children below 14 years in any factory, mine or other hazardous activities.
- Names relevant statutes (Child Labour (P&R) Act) that implement this constitutional prohibition, linking Article 24 to concrete law.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA > p. 138
Presence: 5/5
“It is to be noted that the prohibition imposed by this Article is absolute and does Article 24: Prohibition of Employment of Children in Factories, etc. not admit of any exception for the employment of a child in a factory or mine or in any other "hazardous employment", eg, in a railway or a port. The Supreme Court directed that children should not be employed in hazardous jobs in factories and positive steps should be taken for the welfare. of such children as well as improving the quality of their life<sup>295</sup> and the employers of children below 14 years must comply with the provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act providing for compensation, employment of their parents/guardians and their education.”
Why this source?
- States the prohibition under Article 24 is absolute and admits no exception for employment of a child in a factory or mine or other hazardous employment.
- Notes Supreme Court direction that children should not be employed in hazardous jobs and that welfare/rehabilitative steps are required.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > RIGHT AGAINST EXPLOITATION > p. 38
Presence: 5/5
“The Constitution also forbids employment of children below the age of 14 years in dangerous jobs like factories and mines. With child labour being made illegal and right to education becoming a fundamental right for children, this right against exploitation has become more meaningful.”
Why this source?
- Plainly states the Constitution forbids employment of children below the age of 14 years in dangerous jobs like factories and mines.
- Links the ban on child labour to the right to education, reinforcing the constitutional policy against such employment.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC frequently mixes up the 'Headings' of Part III and Part IV. A common trap is placing a DPSP item into a Fundamental Right question or swapping the sub-headings of Fundamental Rights (e.g., putting a 'Freedom' article under 'Equality').
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Absolute Sitter. Direct from the Table of Contents of the Constitution, Laxmikanth Chapter 8, or NCERT Class XI 'Indian Constitution at Work'.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 6 Categories of Fundamental Rights. You must map Articles to their specific Headings: Equality (14-18), Freedom (19-22), Exploitation (23-24), Religion (25-28), Cultural/Educational (29-30), Remedies (32).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the outliers. Untouchability (Art 17) = Equality. Titles (Art 18) = Equality. Protection of Minorities (Art 29/30) = Cultural Rights. Co-operative Societies (Art 19/43B) = Freedom/DPSP. Do not mix these buckets.
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: The examiner often tests 'Heading vs Content'. Don't just memorize 'Article 23 prohibits trafficking'; memorize 'Article 23 sits inside the Right against Exploitation bucket'. Structure is as important as substance.
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Article 23 — Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
💡 The insight
Article 23 is the constitutional provision that expressly prohibits traffic in human beings and forced labour.
High-yield constitutional provision: frequently tested as part of Fundamental Rights (Right against Exploitation). Understanding its text and scope helps answer questions on rights, limits, and related legislation; links to criminal laws like the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.
📚 Reading List :
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA > p. 138
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > II I Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour > p. 93
🔗 Anchor: "Does the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India prohibit traffi..."
👉 Scope and beneficiaries of Article 23
💡 The insight
References state Article 23 protects both citizens and non-citizens and applies against the State and private persons.
Important for distinguishing rights enforceable against private actors vs. only the State — a common UPSC theme; helps tackle questions on horizontal applicability of Fundamental Rights and victim protection frameworks.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > II I Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour > p. 93
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > p. 100
🔗 Anchor: "Does the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India prohibit traffi..."
👉 Right against Exploitation as Part III (Articles 23–24)
💡 The insight
The Right against Exploitation is explicitly listed in Part III and includes trafficking and child labour prohibitions.
Anchors the topic within the broader scheme of Fundamental Rights; useful for comparative questions linking Articles 23 and 24, policy measures, and constitutional amendments impacting rights.
📚 Reading List :
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > III I Fundamental Rights > p. 30
- Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > Right against Exploitation > p. 31
🔗 Anchor: "Does the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India prohibit traffi..."
👉 Article 23 — Right against Exploitation
💡 The insight
Article 23 is the constitutional provision directly addressing traffic in human beings and forced labour.
High-yield: knowing Article 23's text and scope is essential for questions on Fundamental Rights and labour protections; it links to enforcement, penal statutes, and judicial remedies. Master by memorizing the provision and mapping related laws/cases.
📚 Reading List :
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA > p. 138
- Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > Right against Exploitation > p. 31
🔗 Anchor: "Does the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India prohibit forced..."
👉 Begaar, Bonded Labour and the Definition of Forced Labour
💡 The insight
References define begar and forced labour and identify bonded labour as a prohibited 'similar form'.
High-yield: clarifies terminology often tested (begar vs bonded vs coerced labour) and connects constitutional guarantees to specific statutes (e.g., Bonded Labour Abolition). Prepare by linking definitions to relevant laws and historical context.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > II I Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour > p. 93
- Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > RIGHT AGAINST EXPLOITATION > p. 37
🔗 Anchor: "Does the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India prohibit forced..."
👉 Child Labour & Hazardous Employment under Right against Exploitation
💡 The insight
The Right against Exploitation also encompasses prohibition of employing children in hazardous jobs, illustrating the right's broader protective scope.
Important for integrated questions on rights, labour policy and social justice; connects Fundamental Rights to child protection laws and amendments. Revise provisions, related acts, and constitutional interplay (Article 23/24) for policy and ethics questions.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > RIGHT AGAINST EXPLOITATION > p. 38
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > Fli Prohibition of Employment of Children in Factories, etc. > p. 94
🔗 Anchor: "Does the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India prohibit forced..."
👉 Article 17 — Abolition of Untouchability (Right to Equality)
💡 The insight
Multiple references state Article 17 expressly abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice, linking the abolition to the Right to Equality rather than Right against Exploitation.
High-yield constitutional fact: UPSC often asks which Article covers social evils like untouchability. Mastering which Fundamental Right addresses untouchability (Article 17) helps answer questions on rights, social justice, and related legislation (Protection of Civil Rights Act). Connects to questions on social discrimination and enforcement.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > D I Abolition of Untouchability > p. 84
- Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS > Right to Equality > p. 80
- Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > Right to Constitutional Remedies > p. 32
🔗 Anchor: "Does the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India envisage the ab..."
Article 23(2) Exception Trap: While Article 23 prohibits forced labour, it allows the State to impose compulsory service for public purposes. Crucially, when doing so, the State cannot discriminate on grounds of religion, race, caste, or class—but 'Sex' is NOT listed as a prohibited ground here (unlike Art 15).
The 'Category Mismatch' Hack: Statement 2 is 'Abolition of Untouchability'. Every serious aspirant knows this is Article 17. Article 17 falls under the 'Right to Equality' (Arts 14-18). Therefore, it cannot be 'Right against Exploitation'. Eliminate Option 2. This removes A, B, and D instantly. Answer is C.
Mains GS1 & GS2 Link: Connect Article 23 (Trafficking) to Modern History (Indentured Labour/Begar under Zamindars) and GS3 Internal Security (Human Trafficking as Organized Crime). Connect Article 24 to GS2 Social Justice (Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016).