Which of the following grounds is not mentioned in Article 15, which states that the State shall not discriminate against any citizen on any particular ground?

Key Points

• Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination by the state against any citizen on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• The term ""discrimination"" refers to any unfair treatment or distinction made against individuals based on specific attributes mentioned in the Article.
• The exclusion of ""physical strength"" as a ground in Article 15 emphasizes that discrimination based on physical characteristics is not explicitly covered under this constitutional provision.
• This Article aims to promote equality and prevent any form of systemic bias or prejudice in the functioning of the state towards its citizens.

Additional Information

• Article 15 of the Indian Constitution:
  • Article 15 is a fundamental right under the Right to Equality enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution.
  • It ensures that the state shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
  • This Article also empowers the state to make special provisions for women and children, and for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
• Right to Equality:
  • The Right to Equality is one of the six fundamental rights provided to the citizens of India by the Constitution.
  • It comprises five articles from Article 14 to Article 18, which guarantee equality before the law, prohibit discrimination, ensure equality of opportunity in matters of public employment, and abolish untouchability and titles.
  • This right is essential for the establishment of a fair and just society and upholds the principle that all citizens are equal before the law and have equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
• Discrimination:
  • Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, sex, or disability.
  • It involves making distinctions that disadvantage individuals or groups based on characteristics that are irrelevant to the context in which the distinction is made.
  • Preventing discrimination is crucial for ensuring equality and fairness in society, and it is a fundamental aspect of human rights protection.
• Special Provisions:
  • Article 15(3) and 15(4) allow the state to make special provisions for women and children, and for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
  • These provisions recognize the need for affirmative action to address historical and social disadvantages faced by certain groups in society.
  • Such measures are aimed at promoting social justice and achieving substantive equality by providing support and opportunities to disadvantaged groups.