Fundamental Rights

Fundamental Rights are the cornerstone of Indian democracy, enshrined in Part III of the Constitution of India (Articles 12-35). These rights are guaranteed against the State and are directly enforceable through the Supreme Court under Article 32 and High Courts under Article 226.

The Constitution originally provided seven categories of Fundamental Rights, but after the 44th Amendment (1978), the Right to Property was removed and made a legal right under Article 300A. Currently, there are six categories:

1. Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Equality before law, prohibition of discrimination, equality of opportunity, abolition of untouchability, abolition of titles.

2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22): Six freedoms under Article 19, protection against conviction for offences, protection of life and personal liberty, protection against arrest and detention.

3. Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labor, prohibition of child labor.

4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28): Freedom of conscience and religion, freedom to manage religious affairs, freedom from religious instruction in state-funded institutions.

5. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30): Protection of interests of minorities, right to establish and administer educational institutions.

6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Articles 32-35): The right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

Fundamental Rights are not absolute and are subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of sovereignty, integrity, public order, decency, morality, and other grounds specified in the Constitution.