What is Article 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination)?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
The State cannot discriminate against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. This applies to all state actions.
- 2.
No citizen shall be subject to any disability, liability, restriction or condition with regard to access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment; or the use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads and places of public resort maintained wholly or partly out of State funds or dedicated to the use of the general public.
- 3.
Article 15(3) allows the State to make special provisions for women and children. This is an exception to the general rule of non-discrimination.
- 4.
Article 15(4) enables the State to make special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
Recent Real-World Examples
1 examplesIllustrated in 1 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
Source Topic
Uttarakhand: Voices Rise Against Hate, Championing Coexistence
Social IssuesUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What is Article 15 and its constitutional basis?
Article 15 of the Indian Constitution is a fundamental right prohibiting discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Its constitutional basis lies in Part III of the Constitution, which guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, ensuring equality and social justice.
Exam Tip
Remember Article 15 as a key provision ensuring equality and preventing discrimination. Focus on the grounds of discrimination it prohibits.
2. What are the key provisions of Article 15?
The key provisions of Article 15 are: * The State cannot discriminate against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. * No citizen shall be subject to any disability, liability, restriction, or condition regarding access to public places. * Article 15(3) allows the State to make special provisions for women and children. * Article 15(4) enables the State to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. * Article 15(5) allows the State to make special provisions for the advancement of backward classes in admission to educational institutions.
