UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 34

This question tests right to equality and untouchability. The key concept is: Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. It is part of the Right to Equality, not the rights against exploitation, freedom or constitutional remedies. This is a direct constitutional classification question. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option D. Option A — Right against Exploitation: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. It is part of the Right to Equality, not the rights against exploitation, freedom or constitutional remedies. This is a direct constitutional classification question. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option B — Right to Freedom: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. It is part of the Right to Equality, not the rights against exploitation, freedom or constitutional remedies. This is a direct constitutional classification question. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option C — Right to Constitutional Remedies: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. It is part of the Right to Equality, not the rights against exploitation, freedom or constitutional remedies. This is a direct constitutional classification question. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — Right to Equality: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. It is part of the Right to Equality, not the rights against exploitation, freedom or constitutional remedies. This is a direct constitutional classification question. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option D is the verified answer.