---
title: "Article 17: Abolition of Untouchability | Model Diplomat"
description: "Article 17 abolishes untouchability in India, making its practice punishable, and is essential for UPSC GS2 Polity exam preparation."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/article-17-abolition-of-untouchability"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Article 17 of the Constitution of India abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form, making its enforcement a punishable offence under law.
- Is Article 17 enforceable against private individuals, or only against the state?
- Why does the Constitution not define the word 'untouchability'?
- What legislation enforces Article 17?
- How does Article 17 differ from Article 15?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Timeline

1. 29 November 1948

   Ambedkar and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on , the provision gave constitutional voice to a reformist current that ran from Jyotirao Phule through Mah…

2. 26 January 1950

   Article 17 came into force with the rest of the Constitution on .

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Example

In State of Karnataka v. Appa Balu Ingale (1993), the Supreme Court upheld convictions under Article 17 against accused who had prevented Dalits from drawing water from a public borewell.

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