Key Points

Fundamental Rights are a list of essential rights guaranteed and protected by the Constitution of India in Part III. They are called fundamental because they are crucial for the all-round development of individuals and are protected by special provisions.

A Bill of Rights is a formal declaration of the legal and civil rights of the citizens of a state. In India, the Fundamental Rights listed in the Constitution serve as the Bill of Rights.

This right ensures equality before the law, prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, and abolishes untouchability. It also provides for equality of opportunity in public employment.

This right guarantees six key freedoms: speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession. It also includes the crucial Right to Life and Personal Liberty.

This right states that no person can be deprived of their life or personal liberty except by a procedure established by law. The Supreme Court has expanded its scope to include the right to live with human dignity, shelter, and livelihood.

This right prohibits forced labour (begar), human trafficking, and the employment of children under 14 years in dangerous jobs like factories and mines.

This guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate any religion. It upholds the principle of secularism, meaning the state does not have an official religion.

This right protects the culture, language, and script of minorities. Minorities are given the right to establish and administer their own educational institutions.

Considered the 'heart and soul of the Constitution' by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, this right allows citizens to approach the Supreme Court or High Courts to enforce their Fundamental Rights if they are violated.

The Supreme Court and High Courts can issue special orders known as writs for the enforcement of rights. These include Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo Warranto, and Certiorari.

These are guidelines in Part IV of the Constitution that the government should follow for the welfare of the people. They are non-justiciable, meaning they are not enforceable by courts.

Fundamental Rights (FRs) are primarily individual-centric and legally enforceable, while DPSPs are societal goals and are not legally enforceable. Though conflicts can arise, they are considered complementary to each other in achieving justice and welfare.

The case of Machal Lalung, who spent 54 years in custody without trial, highlights the importance of the Right to Life and Liberty, which includes the right to a fair and speedy trial.

Originally a Fundamental Right, the Right to Property was removed from the list by the 44th Amendment in 1978. It is now a legal right under Article 300A, not a Fundamental Right.

Added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, this section lists duties for citizens, such as abiding by the Constitution and protecting the environment. These duties are not enforceable by law.

The NHRC was established in 1993 as an independent body to inquire into violations of human rights. It acts as a watchdog but can only make recommendations and does not have powers of prosecution.