{"id":2932,"date":"2026-08-27T16:10:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T10:40:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=2932"},"modified":"2026-08-27T16:21:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T10:51:08","slug":"fundamental-rights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/fundamental-rights\/","title":{"rendered":"Fundamental Rights &#8211; Articles 12 to 35 of the Indian Constitution"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Fundamental Rights<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> are basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India to protect individual liberty, equality, dignity, and freedom. They are primarily contained in Part III of the Constitution, covering Articles 12 to 35.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The fundamental rights in Constitution of India form the foundation of Indian democracy and protect individuals against arbitrary state action. They also promote social and political equality and ensure that citizens can live with dignity. The Constitution originally contained seven fundamental rights. However, the Right to Property was removed from the list of Fundamental Rights by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978. India now has six fundamental rights.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental Rights Definition<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>Fundamental Rights<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> are constitutionally guaranteed rights that protect individuals against unjust, discriminatory, or arbitrary actions of the State. They are enforceable through courts. They are essential freedoms and protections that allow individuals to live with equality, liberty, dignity, and legal security.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The American Bill of Rights and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen heavily influenced the incorporation of Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The ideas of European political thinkers like John Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, who advocated for individual liberties and natural rights, also inspired the fundamental rights.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">6 Fundamental Rights of India<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Originally, the Constitution provided seven Fundamental Rights. However, the Right to Property was removed from the list of Fundamental Rights by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978. It is now a constitutional legal right under Article 300A. Therefore, there are currently 6 Fundamental Rights of India:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right to Equality \u2013 Articles 14 to 18<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right to Freedom \u2013 Articles 19 to 22<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right against Exploitation \u2013 Articles 23 to 24<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right to Freedom of Religion \u2013 Articles 25 to 28<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cultural and Educational Rights \u2013 Articles 29 to 30<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right to Constitutional Remedies \u2013 Article 32<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental Rights Features<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Fundamental rights of Indian Constitution have several distinctive characteristics. Some of the features of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Indian Constitution are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Justiciable and Enforceable: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Citizens can move the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/supreme-court-of-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Supreme Court of India <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">and other courts for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. There are two different mechanisms for the enforcement:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Judicial Review<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The court's power to review public sector bodies' actions in terms of legal and constitutional appropriateness.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Writs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Orders issued by higher courts to lower courts or a public authority commanding the performance of a particular act. Both these remedies operate through Article 32.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Applicability:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Some of these Rights are available only to the citizens (Articles 15, 16, 19, 29 and 30), while others are available to all persons, whether citizens, foreigners, or legal persons like corporations or companies.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Not Sacrosanct or Absolute: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The fundamental rights of India are not absolute. The Constitution permits reasonable restrictions in the interest of sovereignty, security, public order, morality, health, and other constitutional objectives.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Suspension: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During a national emergency, these rights may be suspended, except those under Articles 20 and 21. Article 19 rights can be suspended only during emergencies caused by war or external aggression, not armed rebellion.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental Rights Article 12 to 35<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Fundamental Rights provisions under Articles 12 to 35 are contained in Part III of the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/indian-constitution\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Indian Constitution<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. They guarantee basic human rights and civil liberties to all people in India.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 12:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It defines the term \"State\" (includes the government, Parliament of India, state legislatures, and local authorities).<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 13:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It gives courts the power of judicial review to declare laws void if they break fundamental rights.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right to Equality (Article 14 -18)<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/right-to-equality\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right to Equality<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> ensures that all individuals, irrespective of their background, have equal rights and opportunities to develop their skills and talents, and pursue their ambitions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Equality Before Law (Article 14)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: This article guarantees that the state shall not deny any person equality before the law and the equal protection of the laws within India.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This article implies the supremacy of the rule of law, the principle of natural justice, the doctrine of Anti-Arbitrariness, and the inclusion of both positive and negative rights.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Prohibition of Discrimination (Article 15)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The state cannot discriminate against citizens based on their religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It ensures that no citizen shall be subjected to any disability, liability, or restriction on these grounds.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Every Indian citizen has equal access to shops, restaurants, public entertainment venues, and the use of wells, tanks, and roads.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, the state can make special provisions (affirmative action) or concessions for women and children.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment (Article 16)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: This article guarantees equal opportunity for all citizens in public employment.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It prohibits discrimination against a citizen in respect of employment or office under the state based on religion, race, caste, descent, place of birth, residence, or any combination of these factors.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, the state can make provisions for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of vulnerable sections of society.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Abolition of Untouchability (Article 17)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: This article abolishes untouchability in any form.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It recognises untouchability as a social evil and ensures the eradication of this discriminatory practice in Indian society.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Abolition of Titles (Article 18)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: This article states that no title other than military and academic distinction shall be conferred by the state.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right to Freedom (Article 19-22)<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Right to Freedom under Articles 19 to 22 of the Indian Constitution guarantees essential individual liberties while allowing the government to set reasonable rules for public order.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: This article guarantees six fundamental freedoms (albeit with reasonable restrictions) to the citizens:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Speech and Expression<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Peaceful assembly<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Forming Associations\/Unions<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Free Movement throughout India<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Freedom to reside and settle in any part of India<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Freedom to practice any profession or carry on any occupation, trade, or business<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Protection in Respect of Conviction for Offences (Article 20)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: This article provides four key safeguards to individuals:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ex Post Facto Law<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: No person can be convicted for an act that was not considered an offence at the time it was committed.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Limit on Penalty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: No person can be subjected to a penalty greater than what was prescribed by the law at the time the offence was committed.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Double Jeopardy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: A person cannot be prosecuted and punished for the same offence more than once.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Self-Incrimination<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: No person can be compelled to be a witness against themselves. This protection ensures the right to silence and safeguards individuals from forced confessions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Protection of Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It says that no one can be deprived of his or her life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This right includes various other rights such as the right to privacy, the Right to a clean environment, etc.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Right to Education (Article 21A):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It was added through the 86th Amendment to the Constitution in 2002. It entrusts the state to provide free and compul<\/span><b>sory education<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to children aged six to fourteen in the manner determined by the state.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Protection Against Arrest and Detention in Certain Cases (Article 22)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: This article provides two key protections:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The arrested person (but not enemy aliens or persons detained under preventive detention laws) should be informed of the grounds for arrest, allowed to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of their choice, and presented before a magistrate within 24 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right against Exploitation (Article 23 - 24)<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Right Against Exploitation under Articles 23 and 24 of the Indian Constitution protects all people from human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour (Article 23):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It says that trafficking in human beings and begging, as well as other forms of forced labour, is prohibited, and any violation of this provision is punishable by law.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Prohibition of Employment of Children in Factories, etc. (Article 24): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">According to this Article, no child under the age of fourteen shall be employed in a factory, mine, or hazardous occupation.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Child Labour (Prohibition &amp; Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> completely prohibits the employment or work of children below 14 years of age in all occupations and processes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right to Freedom of Religion (Article 25 - 28)<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/right-to-freedom-of-religion\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right to Freedom of Religion<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> protects freedom of conscience and religious practice.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Freedom of Conscience and Free Profession, Practice and Propagation of Religion (Article 25):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> According to it, everyone has the right to free conscience and the freedom to freely profess, practise, and propagate religion.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, this does not grant the right to forceful conversion. The State can impose restrictions on this right on the grounds of public order, morality and health.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Freedom to Manage Religious Affairs (Article 26):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Every religious group or section thereof shall have the right:\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">to manage its own religious affairs;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">to own and acquire movable and immovable property; and\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">to administer such property in accordance with the law.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Freedom from Taxation for the Promotion of Religion (Article 27):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> No one shall be compelled to pay any tax, the proceeds of which are specifically used to pay expenses incurred in the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious sect.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Freedom from Attending Religious Instruction (Article 28):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It forbids religious instruction in any educational institution entirely supported by state funds unless such an institution, even if administered by the state, is established under an endowment or trust that requires it to be imparted.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cultural and Educational Rights (Article 29 - 30)<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Articles 29 and 30 of the Indian Constitution guarantee fundamental Cultural and Educational Rights under Part III, designed to protect minority cultures and ensure equal access to education.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Protection of Interests of Minorities (Article 29):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It gives any section of citizens residing in India's territory or any part of it with a distinct language, script, or culture the right to preserve it. (protects the right of a group)<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">No citizen shall be denied admission to or receive aid from a state-run educational institution based on religion, race, caste, language, or any of them. (protects the rights of individuals irrespective of community)<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Right of Minorities to Establish and Administer Educational Institutions (Article 30):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> All religious and linguistic minorities have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. Protection under it extends only to linguistic and religious minorities and not any section of the citizens.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It provides legal remedies for the protection of other fundamental rights. When any of the fundamental rights are violated, one can seek justice through the courts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One can directly approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 (original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court), which empowers the courts to enforce Fundamental Rights through various writs such as <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The High Courts have also been conferred these powers under Article 226. Further, any other court may be authorised by Parliament to issue directives, orders, and writs of every description.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental Rights Exceptions<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The conflict between the judiciary and legislature regarding Article 31 (Right to Property) and land reforms, as well as Parliament\u2019s power to amend fundamental rights, led to several Constitutional Amendments, including the insertion of Articles 31A, 31B, and 31C.<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 31:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It was provided in the original Constitution as a Fundamental Right. The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 repealed it and made it a constitutional right under Article 300A.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 31A<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: It was introduced by the First Amendment Act of 1951 to protect five categories of laws (related to land reforms) from being challenged on the grounds of violating Article 14 and Article 19.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These laws relate to the state\u2019s power to acquire estates, manage properties, amalgamate corporations, and modify the rights of directors, shareholders, and mining leases.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 31B<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The First Amendment Act also inserted Article 31B, which created the\u00a0 Ninth Schedule to safeguard the acts and regulations from being challenged on the grounds of violating any fundamental rights.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its scope is wider than Article 31A, as it immunises any law in the Ninth Schedule from the Fundamental Rights.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Article 31C:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Inserted by the 25th Amendment Act, 1971, it states that no law implementing socialistic directive principles specified in Articles 39 (b) and (c) shall be declared void on the grounds of violating Article 14 or Article 19.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Article 33: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This article empowers the Parliament to restrict or abrogate the fundamental rights of the members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, police forces, intelligence agencies and analogous forces.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Article 34:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It allows for exceptions to fundamental rights during the imposition of martial law, enabling Parliament to pass laws to indemnify individuals and validate actions taken in the context of maintaining or restoring order in areas where martial law is enforced.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Article 35:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This provision states that Parliament has the power to make laws regarding certain matters specified in Article 16 (3), Article 32 (3), Article 33, and Article 34.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental Rights of Citizens and Non-Citizens<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Fundamental Rights of India do not apply uniformly to citizens and non-citizens. Some rights are available to citizens only, while some rights are available to every person:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rights Available to Citizens Only:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Articles 15, 16, 19, 29, and 30 are available to citizens only.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rights Available to All Persons: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Articles 14, 17, 18, 20, 21, 21A, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 are available to both citizens and non-citizens.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Other Constitutional Rights<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Apart from the six Fundamental Rights of India, the Constitution provides several other important rights. These include the following rights:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Right to Property: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Right to Property is no longer a Fundamental Right. It was removed through the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is now a constitutional legal right under Article 300A, which states that no person can be deprived of property except by authority of law.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Right to Vote: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The right to vote is not a Fundamental Right. It is a statutory and constitutional right governed by laws such as the Representation of the People Act, 1951.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">No Tax Demanded Without Authority of Law (Article 265): Protects citizens from arbitrary taxation by the executive branch.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Freedom of Trade, Commerce, and Intercourse (Article 301):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ensures free trade and movement of goods throughout the territory of India.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Non-discrimination in State Elections (Article 325):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ensures no person is ineligible for inclusion in electoral rolls on grounds of religion, race, caste, or sex.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental Rights Significance<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The significance of Fundamental Rights in Constitution of India is immense.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They create the necessary conditions for an individual's material and moral protection while ensuring political justice and equality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Fundamental: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The term<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\"Fundamental\" signifies that these rights are essential for the all-round development of the citizens in a country.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These rights are so important that the Constitution has separately listed them and made special provisions for their protection.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Constitution itself ensures that they are not violated by the government.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/rule-of-law\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Rule of Law<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Fundamental rights establish the Rule of Law. All citizens are equal under the law. They have equal rights to freedom of religion, assembly, association, and movement. No person can be deprived of his life, liberty, or property, except under the law.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The concept of the rule of law came mainly from England (Albert Wayne Dicey) and is an integral part of the Indian Constitution.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The rule of law delivers four universal principles - accountability, just law, open government, and accessible and impartial justice. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They are the cornerstone of liberal democracy.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Different from Ordinary Legal Rights:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Fundamental Rights are different from ordinary legal rights. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While ordinary rights are enforced by ordinary law, Fundamental Rights are protected and guaranteed by the Constitution, the fundamental law of a country.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ordinary rights may be changed by the legislature through the ordinary process of law-making, whereas a fundamental right can only be changed by amending the Constitution itself.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Further, no organ of the government can violate them.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Positive and Negative Rights:\u00a0<\/b>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Negative Rights:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> These are the rights that require the state to refrain from interfering in the lives of citizens, such as the right to equality, the right to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, etc.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Positive Rights:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> These rights require the state to take positive action to fulfil them, such as the right to education, the right to equal opportunities, special privileges to weaker sections, etc. Thus, Fundamental Rights also pave the way for affirmative actions to promote social justice and equality.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Protection of Minority Rights:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Fundamental Rights ensure that minority communities are not subject to discrimination, prejudice, or persecution and guarantee their right to practice and preserve their language, culture, and religion.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental Rights Limitations<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental rights are a crucial aspect of any democratic society, as they protect and guarantee certain basic liberties and freedoms to individuals. However, it is important to recognise that these rights also have limitations. Here are some common limitations associated with fundamental rights:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Exclusion of Social and Economic rights: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental Rights in India overlook crucial socio-economic rights such as the right to social security, work, employment, leisure, etc.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlike countries like South Africa, Mexico, and Germany, India has not incorporated these rights into its constitution.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Suspension during a National Emergency:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Fundamental Rights can be suspended (except for Articles 20 and 21) during a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/national-emergency-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Emergency<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, which undermines the country's democratic system by putting the rights of citizens in jeopardy.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Neither Sacrosanct nor Permanent: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Parliament can limit or extend Fundamental Rights through a constitutional amendment act under Article 368, and this can be accomplished without affecting the \"Basic Structure of the Constitution.\"<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Not Absolute:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Parliament can impose reasonable restrictions on Fundamental Rights provided under Article 19, which forms the bedrock of democracy.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Article 19(2) allows for restrictions in the interests of the security and sovereignty of India, friendly relations with Foreign States, public order, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Preventive Detention: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Constitution allows for the preventive detention of individuals under Article 22 without charge or trial. This is a contentious provision because it has the potential to limit individuals' life and liberty as provided in Article 20.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Lack of Clarity: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Certain terms and phrases used to define the various fundamental rights lack clarity, as their explanation is not given in the Constitution of India. This creates some confusion or vagueness in understanding the scope of these rights.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Words such as 'Public order', 'minorities', 'reasonable restrictions', etc. belong to this category, which have not been defined properly in the Constitution.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental Rights and Duties<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Fundamental Rights and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/fundamental-duties\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental Duties<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> together create a balanced constitutional framework. Fundamental Rights protect individual liberty and dignity. Fundamental Duties remind citizens that rights must be exercised responsibly. Fundamental Duties are provided under Article 51A in Part IVA of the Constitution. They were added through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental Rights UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Q1: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cThe Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.\u201d Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty. <\/span><b>(UPSC Mains 2023)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q2: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. <\/span><b>(UPSC Mains 2021)\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q3: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2024)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) Article 15<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) Article 16<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) Article 19<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) Article 21<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (d)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q4: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2018Right to privacy\u2019 is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2021)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a.) Article 15<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b.) Article 19<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c.) Article 21<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d.) Article 29<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans : (c)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q5: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A legislation which confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of the application of law violates which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2021)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ol style=\"list-style-type: lower-alpha\">\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Article 14<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Article 28<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Article 32<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Article 44<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (a)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q6: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which one of the following categories of \u2018Fundamental Rights incorporated against untouchability as a form of discrimination? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2020)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ol style=\"list-style-type: lower-alpha\">\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right against Exploitation<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right to Freedom<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right to Constitutional Remedies<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right to Equality<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (d)<\/b><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fundamental Rights: The rights that are enshrined in Part III (Article 12-35) of the Constitution are referred to as &#8220;Fundamental Rights\u201d. They are also referred to as the \u201cMagna Carta of Indian Constitution&#8221;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":17976,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,27],"tags":[104,40,632],"class_list":["post-2932","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-upsc-notes","category-upsc-polity-notes","tag-fundamental-rights","tag-quest","tag-upsc-polity-notes"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2932","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2932"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2932\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28368,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2932\/revisions\/28368"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17976"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2932"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2932"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2932"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}