Fundamental Rights & Fundamental Duties

India got Independence in 1947 and the constitution of India commenced on 26th January 1950, however, it was completed on 26th November 1949. It consists of various rights as well as duties that are mandatory for the citizens of India. There are 6 fundamental rights as well as 11 fundamental duties.

Fundamental Rights

Defined in part 3 of the Indian constitution, fundamental rights are the basic human rights of all the citizens of India. They are to be followed by all, irrespective of religion, place of birth, race, creed, gender, or caste. Fundamental rights are enforced by the courts and may possess some specific restrictions.

• Article 14 – 18: Right to Equality.
• Article 19 – 22: Right to Freedom.
• Article 23 – 24: Right Against Exploitation.
• Article 25 – 28: Right to Freedom of Religion.
• Article 29 – 30: Cultural and Educational Rights.
• Article 30: 35 Right to Constitutional Remedies.

Article 14 – 18: Right to Equality

These articles discuss the importance of equal rights for all citizens of the country, regardless of caste, class, creed, gender, birthplace, or race. It states that equal opportunities in employment and other areas will be provided. These articles also fight toward the removal of orthodox practices such as untouchability that have been prevalent in the country.

Article 19 – 22: Right to Freedom

This is one of the country’s most significant rights. The Indian constitution guarantees residents of the country freedom in a variety of ways. Given below are the fundamental rights of citizens under this article in the Indian constitution.

• Expression
• Speech
• Assembly without arms
• Practicing any profession
• Residing in any part of the country

Article 23 – 24: Right Against Exploitation

The exploitation of humans and their rights are addressed in these articles. Any activity that encourages child labour, human trafficking, or other forms of forced labour is prohibited. This article also prevents the government from imposing any mandatory public service.Furthermore, the state shall not discriminate against anyone on the basis of caste, creed, gender, or other factors when enforcing such obligations.

Article 25 – 28: Right to Freedom of Religion

Since India is a secular country with people of many different religions and faiths, it is essential that we, as well as the Indian constitution, encourage religious freedom. The state can be restrained from enacting laws that are unconstitutional under these articles. It grants citizens of the country to follow or worship any religion of their choice.

Article 29 – 30: Cultural and Educational Rights

These are the articles that help cultural, religious, and linguistic minorities secure their rights by preserving their heritage and culture. There is supposed to be no official religion in the state. According to these articles, the state has no jurisdiction to discriminate against any educational institution based on the fact that it is operated by a minority group.

Article 30: 35 Right to Constitutional Remedies

These articles bind all of the preceding since this right ensures that none of the other essential rights is violated in any way. Any citizen of the country who believes their rights have been violated has the right to go to court and demand justice. The Supreme Court also has the power to issue search warrants against activities that it deems improper under these articles.

Fundamental Duties

The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee that was constituted by the government earlier that year. The Fundamental Duties help to regulate the behaviour of the citizens and to bring about excellence in all the spheres of the citizens.

List of Fundamental Duties

• To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
• To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.
• To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
• To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
• To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
• To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
• To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.
• To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
• To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
• To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.
• Subsequently, another duty was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002: for a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education of the child or ward between the age of six and fourteen (It was added when under Article 21A Right to education was made a FR).