Article 15 of the Indian Constitution: Safeguarding Equality in Modern India
In a diverse country like India, where people belong to various religions, castes, and communities, the principle of equality plays a crucial role in nation-building. Article 15 of the Indian Constitution serves as one of the key pillars in protecting the rights of individuals and ensuring that no citizen is discriminated against based on predefined social categories. It stands as a testament to India’s commitment to justice, liberty, and equality as laid out in the Preamble.
What Does Article 15 Say?
Article 15 falls under Part III of the Indian Constitution, which deals with Fundamental Rights. It prohibits the State from discriminating against any citizen on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Essentially, it ensures that all citizens are treated equally and have the same access to public spaces, institutions, and opportunities, regardless of their background.
Key Provisions of Article 15
Article 15 is not just about restriction on discrimination; it also empowers the government to take positive steps for the upliftment of disadvantaged groups. Here's a brief breakdown of its clauses:
• Clause (1) prevents the State from discriminating against citizens purely on specific grounds.
• Clause (2) extends this protection to access to public spaces like shops, hotels, and places of entertainment.
• Clause (3) allows for special provisions to be made for women and children.
• Clause (4) and Clause (5) empower the State to make special arrangements for socially and educationally backward classes, including Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), especially in educational institutions.
• Clause (6), introduced through the 103rd Amendment in 2019, allows for reservations based on economic criteria for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Significance in Today’s Context
Even after 75 years of independence, social inequalities and discrimination still exist in various forms. In this context, Article 15 serves as a powerful legal instrument to combat systemic injustices and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities. Article 15 - Constitutional Provision - Ministry of Education
It has also enabled affirmative action policies like reservations in education and employment, which aim to level the playing field for historically marginalized communities.
Landmark Judgments
Over the years, Indian courts have interpreted Article 15 in many landmark judgments. The Indra Sawhney case (1992) and Janhit Abhiyan case (2022) reaffirmed the constitutional validity of reservations and paved the way for EWS reservations respectively, reflecting how this Article evolves with societal needs. Article 15 in Constitution of India
Conclusion
Article 15 of the Indian Constitution is more than just a legal clause; it is a moral commitment by the nation to its people. At Thelegalqna.com, we believe that understanding constitutional rights is the first step toward claiming them. As India continues to evolve, Article 15 remains a vital guardian of justice, ensuring that every citizen, irrespective of their identity, is treated fairly and equally.