ABSTRACT
As Hinduism has a caste system of social stratification and since it played an important part in legal matters when it came to Hindu personal law, it becomes relevant to discuss the impact of the caste system in Hindu Law. Initially what was conceived to operate as a concept of division of labour in Indian society largely composed of Hindus, soon became a detrimental practice where caste distinctions were drawn to oppress lower caste people. B. R. Ambedkar, who framed the constitution of India, vehemently opposed the caste system and so proposed to abolish caste distinction from Hindu Law. The Hindu Code Bill was one of his initiatives to legally eradicate caste discrimination. While the bill was not passed in its form, abolishment of untouchability became a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution through Article 17. The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 was a constructive act too. The concept of the reservation was introduced to ensure no discrimination for disadvantaged castes when it came to jobs and college admission in government institutes. However, it led to reverse discrimination and is a topic of much debate.
