Caste Lines in Law Caste-based Exclusion, Untouchability, and Legal Interventions for Social Justice

Abstract

This chapter explores the persistence of caste-based exclusion and untouchability in India and links them to constitutional, legal, judicial, and policy interventions aimed at achieving justice and equality. It situates caste-based exclusion within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), and SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions), and highlights how casteism hinders India's achievement of these goals. Drawing on recent policy surveys (the Telangana Social, Educational, Employment, Economic, and Political Caste Survey (SEEEPC) and the Odisha SEBC Survey), empirical research on welfare provision, healthcare access for Dalit women, and disparities in higher education, the chapter critically analyzes the gap between legal provisions on paper and practical experience.. Evidence drawn from lived experiences, interviews, and case studies reveals how legal interventions are shaped by power, economics, geography, gender, and social norms. The chapter concludes with recommendations for strengthening oversight and accountability, refining affirmative action to better address cross-caste stratification, enhancing legal literacy and community activism, building interconnectedness between law and policy, and promoting ideological change.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788199328600.2026.79-93