Central

Section 6 of The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955

Whoever on the ground of "untouchability" refuses to sell any goods or refuses to render any service to any person at the same time and place and on the same terms and conditions at or which such goods are sold or services are rendered to other persons in the ordinary course of business 1 [shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term of not less than one month and not more than six months and also with fine which shall be not less than one hundred rupees and not more than five hundred rupees].

Summary

A person cannot refuse to sell goods to someone because of untouchability.
A person cannot refuse to provide a service because of untouchability.
Goods and services must be provided at the same time, place, and terms as they are for others.

Practical examples

1A shopkeeper in 1962 tells a customer they can only buy milk after everyone else has finished their shopping. This is a refusal to sell at the "same time" and is a crime under Section 6.

2A barber refuses to cut someone's hair because of their caste. Since a hair cutting saloon is a "shop" (Section 2) and this is a refusal of service, it is a crime under Section 6.

3A vendor sells a loaf of bread to one person for 5 rupees but demands 10 rupees from another person because of untouchability. This violates the rule about selling on the "same terms".

FAQ

1. Can a shopkeeper charge me more because of my caste?

No, they must sell goods on the same terms and conditions as they do for others.

2. Is it illegal to make someone wait until the end of the day to buy something?

Yes, goods must be sold at the same time and place as they are to other persons.

3. Does this law only apply to people who sell food?

No, it applies to any person who refuses to sell any goods or render any service.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 6 of The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, goods must be sold at the same:

Q2.According to Section 6 of The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, what is the punishment for refusing a service on the ground of untouchability?

Q3.Under Section 6 of The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, a refusal is illegal if it happens in the:

Q4.If a laundry owner (defined as a "shop" in Section 2) refuses to wash clothes for a person based on untouchability, which section of The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, provides the punishment?

Q5.Under Section 6 of The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, "same terms and conditions" means:

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