Discrimination In India Forbidden

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32395, 7 September 1970, Page 14

Discrimination In India Forbidden

The practice of “untouchability” in any form is forbidden in India by law and there is no discrimination whatsoever against any person in sports or any sphere of public life in India, according to the first secretary of the Indian High Commission (Mr B. M. Manchanda).

In a letter to “The Press,” Mr Manchanda said his attention had been drawn to statements related to the treatment meted out to “untouchables” particularly with regard to their alleged non-par-ticipation in sports in India. “Please permit me to say that the statements made by Lieutenant Colonel A. C. R. Elderton are absolutely incorrect and have no basis,” Mr Manchanda said.

“The selection of teams by various sports bodies is purely on merits and not on the basis of caste, colour or creed, as Colonel Elderton has tried to project All sections of population have the right to and they actually do participate in every sphere of sport in every part of the country on the basis of equality of opportunity.” Mr Manchanda then refer, red to an article from the Constitution of India which stated that “Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcements of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with the law.”

“Under this article the parliament of India has enacted The Untouchables (Offences) Act, 1955, which prescribes various penalties for preventing all kinds of disabilities,” he said.