Chapter 5: Rights
- What are rights?
Rights are legal or moral entitlements that allow individuals to act or be treated in certain ways, essential for a dignified life and democratic participation. - Why are rights important?
They protect individual freedom, promote equality, ensure justice, and enable people to participate meaningfully in social and political life. - What is the relationship between rights and duties?
Rights come with responsibilities. While enjoying rights, individuals must respect others’ rights and fulfill their duties toward society and the state. - What are natural rights?
Natural rights are inherent to human beings—such as life, liberty, and property—regardless of government or laws. - What are legal rights?
Legal rights are granted and protected by the law or constitution. They can be enforced in courts and changed by legislation. - What are moral rights?
Moral rights are based on ethical values and may not be legally enforceable, such as the right to be treated kindly. - What are fundamental rights?
These are basic human rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution to all citizens, enforceable by courts (Articles 12–35). - What is the Right to Equality?
It includes equal treatment before law, abolition of untouchability, and equal access to public services (Article 14–18). - What is the Right to Freedom?
Includes freedoms of speech, movement, assembly, association, profession, and protection of life and liberty (Articles 19–22). - What is the Right against Exploitation?
It prohibits forced labor, child labor under 14, and human trafficking (Articles 23–24). - What is the Right to Freedom of Religion?
Every citizen has the freedom to follow, practice, and propagate any religion (Articles 25–28). - What are Cultural and Educational Rights?
They protect minority rights to conserve culture and establish educational institutions (Articles 29–30). - What is the Right to Constitutional Remedies?
Article 32 allows citizens to move the Supreme Court if their fundamental rights are violated. - Who called Article 32 the “heart and soul” of the Constitution?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called Article 32 the “heart and soul” of the Constitution for protecting citizens’ rights. - What are Directive Principles of State Policy?
Non-enforceable guidelines in the Constitution (Part IV) aimed at promoting social and economic justice. - What is the difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles?
Fundamental Rights are enforceable by courts; Directive Principles are non-justiciable but guide governance. - Can Fundamental Rights be limited?
Yes, in reasonable cases like public order, morality, or national security. Also, during emergencies, some rights can be suspended. - What is a writ?
A writ is a legal remedy issued by courts to enforce Fundamental Rights. Examples: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus. - What is Habeas Corpus?
A writ demanding a detained person be brought before court to ensure legal detention. - What is Mandamus?
A writ commanding a public official or authority to perform a legally bound duty. - What is the role of judiciary in protecting rights?
The judiciary interprets the Constitution, ensures laws don’t violate rights, and provides remedies through judicial review. - What is Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)?
Adopted by the UN in 1948, UDHR outlines global standards for basic rights like life, liberty, and dignity. - What are human rights?
Human rights are universal entitlements that belong to all humans—civil, political, social, economic, and cultural. - What is Right to Education?
Added under Article 21A, it ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14. - How do rights empower individuals?
They enable people to express opinions, live with dignity, and participate in public decisions. - Why must we respect others’ rights?
To maintain social harmony and ensure equal freedom for all in a democratic society. - What are political rights?
These include the right to vote, contest elections, and participate in government. - What are economic rights?
Right to work, fair wages, rest, and social security that support a decent standard of living. - What happens when rights are violated?
Citizens can approach the courts for remedies, especially under Article 32 and 226. - How can citizens safeguard their rights?
By being aware, participating in democracy, reporting violations, and supporting civil society movements.