Fundamental Rights:
Fundamental Rights are the basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed to every citizen of India. They are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution of India and are considered essential for the overall development and well-being of individuals. The Fundamental Rights include:
Right to Equality: Ensures equality before the law and prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Right to Freedom: Guarantees freedom of speech and expression, freedom of assembly, freedom to form associations or unions, freedom of movement, and freedom to practice any profession.
Right against Exploitation: Prohibits forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking. It also prohibits employment of children in hazardous conditions.
Right to Freedom of Religion: Allows citizens to follow any religion of their choice and guarantees the freedom to manage religious affairs.
Cultural and Educational Rights: Protects the rights of minorities to conserve their language, culture, and educational institutions. It also provides the right of all communities to establish and manage educational institutions.
Right to Property: Originally a fundamental right, it was later amended to allow the state to regulate and acquire private property for public purposes.
Right to Constitutional Remedies: Ensures that individuals can approach the courts for the enforcement of their fundamental rights. It includes the right to a writ petition.
Fundamental Duties:
Fundamental Duties are a set of moral obligations and responsibilities that citizens of India are expected to fulfill towards the nation and society. These duties were added to the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976. While they are not legally enforceable through the courts, they serve as a reminder of the ethical principles citizens should uphold. The Fundamental Duties include:
To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions.
To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
To defend the country and render national service when called upon.
To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India.
To value and preserve the rich heritage of India's composite culture.
To protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
To develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
These Fundamental Duties were introduced to encourage citizens to actively participate in the nation's progress and development and to ensure a sense of responsibility and commitment to the country and its values.