Part III (Articles 12-35) of the Indian Constitution contains the Fundamental Rights, often described as the 'Magna Carta' of India. They are justiciable, meaning they are enforceable by the courts.
Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Ensures equality before law, prohibits discrimination, and guarantees equality of opportunity in public employment.
Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22): Guarantees six essential freedoms, including speech, assembly, and profession. Article 21 (Right to Life) has a wide interpretation.
Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Prohibits human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour in hazardous industries.
Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28): Guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion.
Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30): Protects the rights of minorities to conserve their culture and establish educational institutions.
Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Called the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution by Dr. Ambedkar, it allows citizens to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of their rights via writs.
Fundamental Rights are not absolute and are subject to reasonable restrictions for maintaining public order, morality, and state security.
They can be amended by the Parliament via a constitutional amendment, but not if the amendment violates the 'basic structure' of the Constitution.
🧠 UPSC Prelims MCQs: Indian Polity - Fundamental Rights
1. Which one of the following writs is considered a 'bulwark of personal freedom' and can be issued against both public authorities and private individuals?
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The writ of Habeas Corpus, which literally means 'to have the body of', is a remedy against unlawful detention. It commands a person who has detained another to produce the body of the latter before the court, so the court can examine the cause and legality of the detention. It is a fundamental instrument for safeguarding individual freedom against arbitrary state action and private detention. While other writs like Mandamus, Prohibition, and Certiorari are typically issued against public bodies or officials, Habeas Corpus is unique in its applicability to both public authorities and private individuals, making it the primary bulwark of personal liberty.