The Constitution of India: Fundamental Rights

The Constitution of India

The Constitution of India is one of the world's longest written constitutions. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950. This document establishes the framework for the organization, procedures, powers, and duties of the government institutions, including the executive, legislature, judiciary, civil services, and the relationship between these entities, among others.

Fundamental Rights

A key aspect of the Indian Constitution is its recognition of six fundamental rights, which protect individuals from arbitrary actions by the state and establish the basic human values of life. These rights were first enacted with the passage of the Indian Independence Act in 1947, following independence from British rule. They were later codified under Part III of the Constitution, which now specifies twelve Articles:

1. Right to Equality: Prohibiting discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth; equality before law; abolition of untouchability.[Article 14–18].
2. Cultural and Educational Rights: Protection of minorities against any discrimination; right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. [Article 29, 30]
3. Freedom: Protection of certain freedoms such as freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, profession or occupation, cultural and artistic pursuits, and right to manage religious affairs. [Article 19]
4. Safeguarding of Interests of Certain Groups: Special provisions for women, children, backward classes, and scheduled castes and tribes. [Article 15(3), 16(4B)]

These rights have been further expanded upon through various amendments and court rulings over time. For instance, the Supreme Court has interpreted Article 14 (equality) broadly to cover gender discrimination, and Article 19 (freedom) has been used to challenge a range of laws and restrictions passed by governments since 1947.