Introduction to Fundamental rights and its features
Right to Equality, Freedom, Education, Religion.
We are all granted these rights.
They are what we would call basic rights that should be given to each and every individual.
We can speak and express our thoughts freely.
We can practice the religion of our choice.
We cannot be refused services and access to anything on grounds of caste, class, religion, gender etc.
We have equal and fair access to education.
This is all because of fundamental rights.
These Fundamental Rights are considered as basic human rights of all citizens, irrespective of their gender, caste, religion or creed.
They are written in the Constitution of India which is the supreme law in the country.
There are six fundamental rights in India.
They are Right to Equality, to Freedom, against Exploitation, to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies.
Let us explore the Right to Equality
Right to Equality ensures equal rights for all the citizens.
The Right to Equality prohibits inequality on the basis of caste, religion, place of birth, race, or gender.
It also ensures equality of opportunity in matters of public employment and prevents the State from discriminating against anyone in these matters.
There can be no discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, sex, caste, descent, place of birth, place of residence or any other.
Let us explore the Right to Freedom
Right to freedom provides us with various rights.
These rights are freedom of speech and expression, of assembly without arms...
...of movement throughout the territory of our country, to reside in any part of the country...
...to form associations and organisations and to practice any profession or conduct any business.
But these freedoms have been granted with their own limits to protect other rights and prevent misuse.
Let us explore the Right to freedom of religion
Right to Freedom of Religion guarantees religious freedom and ensures secular states in India.
The States must treat all religions equally and impartially and no state will have an official religion.
It also guarantees all people the freedom to preach, practice and propagate any religion of their choice.
Let us explore the Cultural and Educational Rights
These protect the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic minorities to conserve their heritage and protect them against discrimination.
Educational rights ensure education for everyone irrespective of their caste, gender, religion, etc.
Let us explore the Right against exploitation
Right against Exploitation condemns human trafficking, child labor, forced labor making it an offense punishable by law...
It also prohibits compelling a person to work without wages where he was legally entitled not to work or receive remuneration (payment) for it.
This is unless it is for the public purpose, like community services or NGO work.
Let us explore the Right to Constitutional Remedies
This ensures citizens to go to the Supreme Court (SC) of India to ask for enforcement or protection against violation of their fundamental rights.
The SC has the jurisdiction to enforce the Fundamental Rights even against private bodies.
It may also, in case of any violation, award compensation as well to the affected individual.
These fundamental rights can be also called as the basic human rights which need to be provided to every person living in today’s time.
Along with providing the rights, there are kept in place methods by the government to protect these and punish their misuse.