Article 15 is based on the equality principle. It prohibits State from discriminating anyone based on grounds of religion, race, caste, or place of birth. Article 16 is also based on the equality principle of Article 14. It provides for equality of opportunity in matters of public or State employment and bars any discrimination to any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, , descent, place of birth, or residence. Under Article 17 “Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. This article can be enforced against both the State as well as private individuals and the offence is punishable in accordance with special laws like the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
