In a Democratic Country like India certain basic and fundamental rights have been granted to every citizen, but in many parts of the world people are still struggling for these rights. This lesson aims at studying Fundamental Rights and Duties enshrined in the Constitution of India.
Rights: Rights are the claims of the individual which are essential for the development of his or her personality and are recognised by society and the state.
Duties: Duty is something that someone is expected to do. The obligations that accompany rights are in the form of duties.
Fundamental Rights
Rights which are recognised by the State and have been enshrined in the Constitution are called Fundamental Rights. They are justiceable or enforceable by law. Following are the six Fundamental Rights which are provided in the Part-III of the Indian Constitution.
1. Right to Equality
- Equality before law
- No discrimination on any basis
- Equality of opportunities
- Eradication of untouchability
- Abolition of titles
2. Right to Freedom
- Freedom of speech and express
- Freedom to assemble peacefully
- Freedom to form association
- Freedom of movement, and residing anywhere
- Freedom to reside any part of the country
- Freedom of occupation, trade or business
- Besides six freedoms this right safeguards over individual liberty, life and personal liberty also. It protects us from arbitrary arrests and detention.
3. Right against Exploitation
Traffic in human beings, forced labour, employment of children below 14 years have been banned.
4. Right to Freedom of Religion
India being a secular State, every citizen is free in his or her religious affairs.
5. Cultural and Educational Right
This Fundamental Right protects the language, culture and religion of the minority communities.
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies
It is the most important fundamental Right which empowers the individual to approach the court in case of any of the violation of Fundamental Rights.
Fundamental Rights as Human Rights
- Indian Constitution accepts many of the Human Rights as Fundamental Rights.
- India is committed to protect Human Rights.
- For this purpose National Human Rights Commission was founded in 1993.
Fundamental Duties
- Ten Fundamental Duties were added in Part IV of the Constitution later on one more Fundamental Duty was added by Right to Education Act 2009.
- Some Fundamental Duties are: to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, National Flag and National Anthem.
- To uphold Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India.
- To defend the country and render National Service.
- Develop scientific temper.