Article 15 – Prohibition of Discrimination on Grounds of Religion, Race, Caste, Sex, Place of Birth

Clause (1):

  • State shall not discriminate against any citizen only on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth.

Clause (2):

  • Prohibits discrimination by both State & private individuals in access to:

    • Shops, public restaurants, hotels, places of public entertainment.

    • Wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads, public resorts funded/maintained by State or open to public.


Special Provisions (Exceptions under Article 15):

  • 15(3):

    • State can make special provisions for women and children.

  • 15(4):

    • State can make special provisions for socially & educationally backward classes (SEBCs), SCs, STs.

    • Inserted by First Constitutional Amendment, 1951.

  • 15(5):

    • State can make special provisions for admission to educational institutions (including private, aided/unaided; excluding minority institutions under Art. 30(1)).

    • Inserted by 93rd Constitutional Amendment, 2005.

  • 15(6):

    • Provides 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in educational institutions (including private; excluding minority institutions).

    • Inserted by 103rd Constitutional Amendment, 2019.