With reference to Article 17 of the Constitution, consider the following statements:
1. A person convicted of the offence of 'untouchability' is disqualified for election to the Parliament or State Legislature.
2. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 considers social boycott or exclusion from religious services of individuals as an 'offence under untouchability'.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Accepted Answer

Article 17 abolishes 'untouchability' and forbids its practice in any form. Under the law, a person convicted of the offence of 'untouchability' is disqualified for election to the Parliament or State Legislature. Hence, statement 1 is correct. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 does not consider social boycott or exclusion from religious services as an offence under 'untouchability'. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

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