The Indian Constitution stands as a beacon for justice, equality, and liberty. Among its many groundbreaking provisions, Article 15 holds a special place, directly confronting centuries-old discrimination and ensuring equal treatment for all citizens. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth—a principle that has shaped India’s legal landscape and social reforms. Understanding Article 15 in Hindi not only illuminates its legal language but also highlights its profound impact on Indian society, governance, and individual lives.
The core of Article 15 is straightforward, yet its implications are vast. In Hindi, Article 15 reads:
“राज्य किसी नागरिक के विरुद्ध केवल धर्म, मूलवंश, जाति, लिंग या जन्म स्थान के आधार पर कोई भेदभाव नहीं करेगा।”
Translating this, the English version is:
“The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.”
Subsequent clauses expand its scope, prohibiting restrictions in public places and allowing the State to make special provisions for women, children, and disadvantaged communities.
Article 15 prevents not only overt discrimination by the State but also addresses the subtler forms of social exclusion. It covers access to public places—like shops, hotels, and places of entertainment—ensuring that no citizen is denied use or entry on listed grounds. Importantly, Article 15 also permits affirmative action, recognizing that true equality sometimes requires proactive support for historically marginalized groups.
India’s deeply embedded caste system and religious divides prompted the framers of the Constitution to think beyond formal equality. Throughout history, Dalits and other minority groups faced exclusion, violence, and discrimination—a legacy that continued into independent India. By making discrimination constitutionally illegal, Article 15 set out to dismantle these age-old barriers.
Over the years, the Supreme Court and various High Courts have invoked Article 15 to strike down discriminatory practices. For instance, reservations in educational institutions and government jobs for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have found legal backing under Article 15(4), which allows for positive discrimination (affirmative action).
A pivotal judgment in the case of State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951) laid the foundation for how Article 15 should be interpreted, balancing the prohibition of discrimination with the need for reservations.
“Article 15 not only prohibits the State from discriminating but, through its exceptions, also insists on correcting historical injustice. Its clauses demonstrate that true equality may require special efforts beyond treating everyone identically.”
— Supreme Court Advocate, on the spirit of Article 15
Despite constitutional protections, discrimination persists in various forms. Caste-based atrocities, gender gaps, and religious tensions occasionally make headlines, reaffirming the ongoing relevance of Article 15. Recent decades have seen heated debates about expanding reservations to economically weaker sections, culminating in the 103rd Constitutional Amendment (2019), which introduced a 10% quota for the economically disadvantaged outside the existing reserved categories.
The provision enables the government to implement schemes and policies to uplift women, children, and backward classes. From scholarships and hostel facilities to laws against manual scavenging, Article 15 provides a constitutional foundation for tangible change.
The Right to Education Act, mandating 25% reservation in private schools for disadvantaged children, draws strength from Article 15. Such policies, while sometimes contested, reflect the ongoing endeavor to level the playing field.
Article 15 has not only shaped judicial processes but has also inspired Indian cinema. The critically acclaimed film “Article 15” (2019), directed by Anubhav Sinha, thrust caste-based discrimination into mainstream discourse, prompting nationwide conversations about prejudice and reform.
While awareness about Article 15 remains higher among legal, academic, and activist circles, public understanding is still evolving. Government and non-profit initiatives, including legal literacy drives and educational curriculums, are crucial to ensuring that every citizen recognizes these constitutional safeguards.
The vastness of India’s population and its social complexities mean that enforcement of Article 15 is an ongoing challenge. Reports from various rights groups suggest that access to justice remains uneven, particularly in rural areas or among the most marginalized.
Affirmative action policies—while designed to correct historical disadvantages—have occasionally sparked questions about merit, fairness, and the potential for new forms of exclusion. Nevertheless, data from social scientists indicate that India’s inequalities remain too deeply entrenched for a “color-blind” approach to be immediately effective.
“Affirmative action is not about privileging one group over another; it is a way to balance the scales where imbalance has been systemic for generations.”
— Social Policy Analyst, Indian Institute of Dalit Studies
Article 15 is more than a legal clause; it is an active promise of justice and equality embedded in the Constitution. By outlawing discrimination and supporting corrective measures, it protects the dignity and rights of all citizens, while challenging society to recognize and confront its biases. For India to fully realize the vision of its founding leaders, ongoing vigilance, robust legal enforcement, and civic engagement are essential. As India progresses socially and economically, Article 15 will remain a touchstone for debates on fairness, inclusivity, and national identity.
What is Article 15 in Hindi?
Article 15 in Hindi is a clause in the Indian Constitution that prohibits discrimination by the State against any citizen solely on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Why was Article 15 included in the Indian Constitution?
The framers included Article 15 to address historical injustices—especially those related to caste, religion, and gender—and to promote true equality among Indian citizens.
What are the exceptions under Article 15?
Article 15 allows the State to make special provisions for women, children, socially and educationally backward classes, and Scheduled Castes and Tribes, enabling affirmative action policies like reservations.
How has Article 15 impacted daily life in India?
Article 15 supports a wide range of government policies, including reservation systems and legal protections, which have improved access to education, employment, and public services for disadvantaged groups.
Is Article 15 still relevant today?
Yes, despite progress, discrimination based on caste, gender, religion, and birthplace persists in various forms, making Article 15 an ongoing necessity in India’s legal and social context.
Are there controversies related to Article 15?
Debates continue over affirmative action and reservations, especially concerning their scope and implementation, but the foundational principle—that no one should face discrimination—remains widely supported.
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