Explanations:
Under India's current legal framework, it is indeed illegal to discriminate against an untouchable, which is a term historically used to describe individuals belonging to the lowest rung of the caste system. In contemporary India, these individuals are officially referred to as Scheduled Castes (SCs) under the Constitution of India. The Constitution of India, particularly Article 15, explicitly prohibits discrimination on the grounds of caste, religion, race, sex, or place of birth. This means that any form of discrimination against individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes is illegal and punishable under the law.
The Indian government has enacted several laws to protect the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs). The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is one such law that aims to prevent atrocities against these communities and provide for the rehabilitation of victims. This Act defines various forms of discrimination and atrocities and provides for stringent penalties for those who violate the law.
Furthermore, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other state-specific laws also contain provisions that prohibit discrimination and provide for legal action against those who engage in discriminatory practices. The government has also established various commissions and bodies, such as the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), to monitor and address issues related to discrimination and to ensure that the rights of SCs are protected.
It is important to note that while the legal framework in India is robust in terms of prohibiting discrimination, the implementation and enforcement of these laws can sometimes be challenging. Social attitudes and practices may still reflect discriminatory behaviors, but these are not legally sanctioned and can be challenged through the legal system.
In summary, the statement that it is illegal to discriminate against an untouchable (or Scheduled Caste) under India's current law is true. The Constitution and various laws provide comprehensive protections against discrimination, and the government has established mechanisms to enforce these protections and address any violations.