The Constitution of India guarantees certain fundamental rights to all citizens of the country. These rights, which are listed in Part III of the Constitution, are considered fundamental because they are essential for the protection of individual freedom and dignity, and for the proper functioning of a democratic society.
Some of the most important fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India are:
- Right to Equality: This right guarantees that all citizens are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law. It prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
- Right to Freedom of Expression: This right guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, and the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media, regardless of frontiers. It also includes the freedom to hold opinions without interference and the freedom to peacefully assemble, associate, and form unions or cooperative societies.
- Right to Life and Liberty: This right guarantees that no person shall be deprived of his or her life or liberty except according to the procedure established by law. It also guarantees the right to personal liberty, which includes the right to move freely throughout the country and the right to reside and settle in any part of the country.
- Right to Freedom of Religion: This right guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate any religion. It also guarantees the right to freedom from religious discrimination, and the right to maintain religious institutions and practices.
- Right to Education: This right guarantees the right to education for all children in the age group of 6 to 14 years. It also provides for free and compulsory education for all children in this age group.
- Right to Constitutional Remedies: This right guarantees the right to move the court for the enforcement of the fundamental rights. It also guarantees the right to obtain the writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari for the enforcement of these rights.
Part-III Fundamental Rights
- Art. 12 Definition
- Art. 13 Laws inconsistent with or in derogation of the fundamental rights
Right to Equality
- Art. 14 Equality before law
- Art. 15 Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth
- Art. 16 Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment
- Art. 17 Abolition of untouchability
- Art. 18 Abolition of titles
Right to Freedom
- Art. 19 Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech etc.
- Art. 20 Protection in respect of conviction for offences
- Art. 21 Protection of life and personal liberty
- Art. 21A Right to education
- Art. 22 Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases
Right against Exploitation
- Art. 23 Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
- Art. 24 Prohibition of employment of children in factories etc.
Right to Freedom of Religion
- Art. 25 Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion
- Art. 26 Freedom to manage religious affairs
- Art. 27 Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion
- Art. 28 Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions
Cultural and Educational Rights
- Art. 29 Protection of interests of minorities
- Art. 30 Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions
Saving of certain Laws
- Art. 31A Saving of laws providing for acquisition of estates etc.
- Art. 31B Validation of certain Acts and Regulations
- Art. 31C Saving of laws giving effect to certain directive principles
Right to Constitutional Remedies
- Art. 32 Remedies for enforcement of rights conferred by this Part
- Art. 33 Power of Parliament to modify the rights conferred by this Part in their application to Forces etc.
In addition to these fundamental rights, the Constitution of India also guarantees certain other rights, such as the right to property, the right to privacy, the right to work, the right to food, and the right to social security. However, these rights are not considered fundamental rights, and they are not enforceable by the courts in the same way as fundamental rights.