When the Indian Constitution was adopted in 1949, Article 17 made a historic declaration — the abolition of untouchability. It was a milestone in India’s long journey toward social justice.

Untouchability — the act of treating a person as inferior or “untouchable” because of caste — is not just discrimination; it is an assault on humanity itself.

Yet, 77 years later, the painful question remains: Has untouchability truly disappeared from Indian society?

The answer, sadly, is no.

Why Has Untouchability Not Disappeared?

1.⁠ ⁠Political Encouragement

In India, caste has become a political tool — a convenient vote bank. Politicians use caste divisions to consolidate power, exploiting social fault lines rather than healing them. As a result, untouchability hasn’t ended; it has only changed form, adapting itself to modern politics and social structures.

2.⁠ ⁠Weak Implementation of Law

The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 provides for stringent punishment against caste-based violence and humiliation. Yet, when those tasked with enforcing the law are themselves biased, the law remains powerless on paper.

3.⁠ ⁠Dominance in the System

The judiciary, police, and political machinery — India’s three pillars of governance — remain dominated by upper-caste influence. This imbalance often denies justice to the marginalized.

A Mirror of Systemic Failure: The Case of Y. Puran Kumar, IPS

Recently, in Haryana, Dalit IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar took his own life, reportedly due to caste-based harassment by his colleagues. His death shocked the nation.

If an officer of such high rank cannot escape caste prejudice, what hope is there for a Dalit sarpanch, a daily wage worker, or a young student?

This is not an individual tragedy — it is a mirror of institutional injustice.

The Plight of Dalit Sarpanches

Though many Indian states reserve seats for Dalits in panchayats, reality tells another story:

They are often not allowed to sit on chairs,

Not permitted to speak in gram sabhas,

Not empowered to make decisions.

They may hold office — but without power, becoming symbols of democracy’s hypocrisy.

Where Does Untouchability Still Exist?

In Schools: Separate utensils, separate seating based on caste.

In Healthcare: Discriminatory treatment by doctors and nurses.

In Social Life: Barriers in temples, weddings, and community meals.

Online: Increasing digital caste violence, through trolling and casteist abuse on social media.

Law Alone Is Not Enough

A law can declare equality — but justice requires impartial enforcement.

Today, the problem lies not in the law’s absence, but in the bias of those who enforce it.

Police refuse to file complaints.

Investigations are deliberately delayed.

Judicial processes drag on.

Victims are blamed, humiliated, and silenced.

As a result, Dalits lose faith in the very system that promised them protection.

The Way Forward

1.⁠ ⁠Strict Enforcement of Law:

Every case under the SC/ST Act should be tried in fast-track courts for swift justice.

2.⁠ ⁠Representation in Institutions:

The judiciary, police, and bureaucracy must ensure adequate Dalit and backward class representation — only then will justice become accessible.

3.⁠ ⁠Social Awareness:

Lessons on equality and caste harmony should begin at the school level. Religious leaders, educators, and media must lead this moral reform.

4.⁠ ⁠Political Accountability:

Politicians who promote caste hatred should face disqualification and legal consequences.

The Spirit of Article 17

Seventy-seven years after India constitutionally abolished untouchability, we are still far from realizing its true spirit. A law without impartial execution is not justice — it is mere symbolism.

As Mahatma Gandhi said,

⁠“Untouchability will end not by law, but by change in the heart.”

Society must not only respect the law — it must also respect humanity.

Only then will Article 17 find its real meaning —

when every person is truly seen as equal.