2. Knowing Our Fundamental Rights
2. Knowing Our Fundamental Rights
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List the fundamental rights in the Constitution of India
List the fundamental rights in the Constitution of India
We all know how important equality and freedom are. These are part of our Fundamental Rights. A long time ago, during British rule in India, people did not have these rights.
For example, some clubs and restaurants only allowed British people. They even put up signs that said, “Indians and dogs are not allowed.” This was very unfair.
Today, we are lucky to have rights like freedom, equality, and justice. But we should also learn about these rights, use them wisely, and help others understand them. 1
There are six Fundamental Rights stated in Part III of the Constitution1. They are :
Fig 2.1: Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution
The Right to Equality is the first and one of the most important Fundamental Rights. It states that everyone is equal before the law, including children 2.
The Right to Equality means that every person, regardless of their background, caste, religion, gender, or place of birth, is equal in the eyes of the law2.
It also means that no one should be stopped from using public places and amenities such as parks, temples, and transport2.
For example, in the past, Dalits (people from lower castes) were not allowed to use the same wells or go into temples like others. This was very unfair. But today, the Right to Equality helps everyone to stand up for their rights.
Our Constitution says that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. It doesn’t matter if a person is rich or poor, lives in a city or village, or is a boy or girl — all people have the same rights and can go to court to ask for justice if they are treated unfairly.
The Right to Freedom allows people to express their thoughts and opinions freely, gather peacefully with others (protest), join clubs or groups, move around the country, and live where you choose. We must not forget that during the years when India was ruled by the British, Indians were not free3.
The Right to Freedom means you can live your life freely and share your ideas. It also means that everyone’s voice is important in a democratic country like India.
However, we must remember that our freedom must not break the law, hurt others, or create problems in our community.
In 2017, a cartoonist in West Bengal was arrested for drawing cartoons that showed disagreement with government policies. This violated his right to freedom of speech and expression.3
The Right Against Exploitation in the Indian Constitution gives protection against unfair and harmful treatment4.
During British rule the landowners were powerful people and they exploited the weak. They made poor people work hard without even providing them money4.
This right aims to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and not subjected to any form of exploitation or mistreatment4.
For example, this right does not allow forced labour, where people are made to work even if they don’t want to. It also stops child labour, where children are made to work instead of going to school and playing4.
The Right to Freedom of Religion allows people to choose the religion they want to practise, visit their places of worship, and talk about their beliefs with others5.
This right also ensures that nobody can force you to follow a particular religion5.
This right makes sure that everyone's choices and beliefs are respected and protected5.
For example, if you are a Hindu, you can go to a temple and pray to Hindu gods. Your friend who is a Muslim can go to a mosque and pray to Allah. Another friend who may not follow any religion also has the freedom to believe in what feels right for them. No one can force anyone to follow a religion they don’t believe in.
Cultural and Educational Rights are special rights in the Indian Constitution. They make sure that people can keep their own culture and get a good education.
These rights say that different communities and groups can teach their own language, customs, and traditions. They can also have schools that teach in their language and follow their culture6.
These rights help protect India’s rich diversity and allow everyone to learn while keeping their culture alive6.
For example, tribal communities in India know a lot about farming, herbal medicine, and living close to nature. These rights help them protect and share this knowledge with their children. Many local groups and organisations also help to save and respect this special knowledge.
The Right to Constitutional Remedies in the Indian Constitution states that if someone's fundamental rights are ever taken away or violated, they can ask the court for help7.
This right helps protect all other Fundamental Rights. So, if someone feels treated unfairly, they can go to the court to make things right and ensure justice7.
This right is like a guardian that ensures people are treated fairly and their rights are protected, making sure everyone gets a fair chance to be heard in court if something goes wrong7.
For example, if someone is treated unfairly by their school or their land is taken without reason, they can go to court to seek justice7.
Everyone, even if you are accused of a crime, has the right to present your argument in court7.
Glossary
Discrimination: Treating someone unfairly just because they are different.
Protest: A peaceful gathering to show you disagree with something.
Forced Labour: Making someone work even when they don’t want to.
Remedies: Ways to fix or solve a problem.
Summary:
There are six Fundamental Rights stated in Part III of the Constitution:
The Right to Equality states that we all are equal before the law, not just adults but even children.
The Right to Freedom allows you to express your thoughts and opinions freely, gather peacefully with others (protest), join clubs or groups, move around the country, and live where you choose.
The Right Against Exploitation in the Indian Constitution gives protection against unfair and harmful treatment.
The Right to Freedom of Religion allows people to choose the religion they want to practise
Cultural and Educational Rights ensure people can preserve their culture and receive a good education.
The Right to Constitutional Remedies in the Indian Constitution states that if someone's fundamental rights are ever taken away or violated, they can ask the court for help.
References:
1 Fundamental Rights. Know India (n.d.) Link
2 Right to Equality : A Fundamental Right. Blog Ipleaders (2019) Link
3 What is the Right to Freedom? Blog Ipleaders (2022) Link
4 Right Against Exploitation. Blog Ipleaders (2019) Link
5 Right to Freedom of Religion: Articles 25-28 of the Indian Constitution. Blog Ipleaders (2020) Link
6 Cultural and Educational Rights: Articles 29-30 under Indian Constitution. Blog Ipleaders (2022) Link
7 Significance of Article 32 of the Constitution of India : Right to constitutional remedies. Blog Ipleaders (2022) Link
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