Table of content

What are fundamental rights and duties?

• Fundamental Rights defined in the Indian Constitution
  1. Right to equality (Article 14-18)
  2. Right to freedom (Article 19-22)
  3. Right against exploitation (Article 23-24)
  4. Right to freedom of religion (Article 25-28)
  5. Cultural and education rights (Article 29-30)
  6. Right to constitutional remedies (Article 32)
• Fundamental duties defined in the Indian Constitution

Rights are rules that define the constraints and obligations for interaction between people in society. For instance, if one has the right to life, then they do not have the liberty to kill another person. Rights are also defined as claims individuals can make to develop themselves as recognised by society and the state. Rights are legal, social and ethical principles of freedom or entitlement guided by fundamental normative rules. These rules define what people are allowed or owed as per legal systems, social conventions and ethical theory. Duties give rights meaning. An individual’s duties are actions that are expected from them. When we have the right to freedom, we must not misuse them or harm others.

What are fundamental rights and duties?

If you are asking how many fundamental rights and duties do we have and where they are defined? The answer is, that there are six fundamental rights and 11 fundamental duties that are defined in the Indian Constitution. 

Fundamental Rights Defined in the Indian Constitution

Our Constitution defines the fundamental rights of an individual in India. These are basic rights for Indian citizens. They help them develop their personality and live with dignity. The Indian Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights to its citizens. These are -

1. Right to equality (Article 14-18)

It ensures all are equal before the law. It prohibits discrimination based on caste, religion, race, birthplace, and sex.

2. Right to freedom (Article 19-22)

It guarantees Indian citizens: freedom of movement, speech, expression, residence, assembly, and association.

3. Right against exploitation (Article 23-24)

It protects against exploitation by banning all human trafficking and child labour. This right protects citizens from exploitation and forced labour. It safeguards the dignity and well-being of vulnerable groups.

4. Right to freedom of religion (Article 25-28)

It ensures that every Indian citizen can profess, practice, and spread their religion. These rights establish India as a secular state. It does not endorse any religion and ensures freedom of worship.

5. Cultural and education rights (Article 29-30)

Indian citizens are guaranteed rights to preserve and promote India's cultural diversity. They must ensure that minority groups can cultivate their unique heritage. It also ensures the right to education and linguistic rights. These rights protect Indian languages, scripts, and cultures. They include the right to establish and manage educational institutions.

6. Right to constitutional remedies (Article 32)

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar calls Article 32 the ‘heart and soul’ of the Indian Constitution. This right provides a mechanism for the citizens to enforce their fundamental rights. It lets citizens approach the Supreme Court if their rights are violated. This right protects and enforces fundamental rights in the courts.

Fundamental duties defined in the Indian Constitution

The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, of the Indian constitution, imposes duties on its citizens. The 11 fundamental duties mentioned are-

 The 11 fundamental duties mentioned are-

1. Abide by the Constitution. Respect its ideals, institutions, National Flag, and National Anthem.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom
3. Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India
4. Defend our country and render national service when called upon to do so
5. Promote harmony and a spirit of brotherhood among all Indians. This should transcend religious, linguistic, and regional differences.
6. Value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
7. Protect and improve the environment, including forests, lakes, and wildlife. Have compassion for all living creatures.
8. Develop a scientific temper, humanism, and spirit of enquiry and reform
9. Safeguard public property and abjure violence
10. Strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement
11. Provide opportunities for education to children between the ages of six and fourteen years

The Indian fundamental rights and duties must be respected, protected and adhered to by every Indian citizen. Our fundamental rights and duties are protected by Constitutional remedies such as Writs. Students need to be aware of these so that they lead a just life and aren’t exploited.