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Introduction
You might have heard about slavery in your history lessons. There was a time when the colonial powerhouses of Europe took captive African individuals from their homes and transported them by ship to different regions of the world.
Later, they were employed as labourers for hire. The slaves were paid very little or no compensation. As property, owners had the right to sell them, just as they would sell cattle or sheep.
Thankfully, slavery was eliminated, and all governments worldwide agreed that life is not to be sold or bought. As life is precious and therefore it should be safeguarded and allowed to flourish.
In India also, there are six fundamental rights. This article will explain each one of them.
What are the Fundamental Rights?
Following independence, India established several fundamental rights that protect every citizen of India. It is essential to understand these rights to ensure that nobody can deny you these rights.
- Freedom of religion
- Right against exploitation
- Rights to education and culture
- Right to Equality
- Constitutional remedies are rightfully available
- Right to Freedom
1. Freedom of Religion
The right to freedom of religion, which is covered in Articles 25-28, guarantees religious freedom to all residents of India. The goal of this freedom is to safeguard the secular principle in India.
As per the Constitution, all religions are equally valued by the state, and no religion is given priority over another. Citizens are allowed to teach, practice and spread any religion they like.
Certain practices, like the wearing and carrying of Kirpans as part associated with the Sikh religion, may be restricted for the sake of public order, morality, and health.
2. Right against Exploitation
Child labour isn’t allowed under the Rights against Exploitation. The right to be free from exploitation stipulated in Articles 23 and 24 calls for two rights: abstention from trafficking human beings and beggars.
It dictates the abolition of the employment of children who are under 14 years old in hazardous jobs such as factories and mines. Child labour is seen as a horrifying violation of the Constitution’s spirit and provisions.
Beggar was a method of child labour used by landlords in the past, but now, it’s a punishable crime. Human trafficking to facilitate prostitution or slave trade is also banned by law.
A few exceptions are made for the case of unpaid employment and services that are for public use. This law covers compulsory military conscription.
3. Rights to Education and Culture
Since India has diverse religions, traditions, and languages, the Constitution includes specific measures, specifically in Articles 29 and 30, to ensure the rights of minorities.
Any group that has a language or script that is its own is entitled to protect and develop the same. There is no reason for a citizen to be denied admission to state or state-aided institutions.
Any minority, regardless of religion or linguistics, can set up their own schools to preserve and further develop their own culture. The power to manage doesn’t mean the state cannot interfere in the event of mismanagement.
4. Right to Equality
The right to Equality is among the fundamental rights of the Indian Constitution. It covers equality before the law and the prohibition of discrimination based on name, race, religion, caste, gender, or birthplace.
Also, it includes the right to equal opportunity in terms of employment and the removal of titles, untouchability, and other distinctions. In simple terms, we can declare it a right to have equal chances.
5. Constitutional Remedies
The right to constitutional remedies enables citizens to appeal to an administrative court when they are denied any fundamental rights. For example, in the case of imprisonment, the individual could ask the court to determine if the sentence is by the rules of law of the nation.
If the court decides it’s not appropriate, the individual will be released. This process of asking courts to safeguard or protect citizens’ rights is possible in various ways. The courts can issue a variety of types of writs.
6. Right to Freedom
Freedom of speech is among the fundamental rights guaranteed through the Indian Constitution. Due to the widespread nature of these rights, the democratic process is so purposeful.
The right to freedom is the basis for liberty to express and speak, freedom of movement, association or gathering or cooperatives and movement, the freedom to engage in any profession, liberty, and protection against detention and arrest in many instances.
