Fundamental Rights are the basic human freedoms guaranteed to every citizen, contained in Part III of the Constitution. These notes move from their overview and source, through the six rights and their key articles, to the writs under Article 32 and the special provisions of Articles 33-35.
Fundamental Rights form Part III of the Constitution and act as limits on the arbitrary power of the State.
Fundamental Rights are contained in which part and Articles of the Constitution?
During a National Emergency, which Articles CANNOT be suspended?
Part III of the Constitution is described as the of India.
Fundamental Rights are justiciable, meaning they are enforceable through .
Originally there were seven Fundamental Rights; the Right to Property has been repealed, leaving six.
| Fundamental Right | Articles |
|---|---|
| Right to Equality | Articles 14-18 |
| Right to Freedom | Articles 19-22 |
| Right against Exploitation | Articles 23-24 |
| Right to Freedom of Religion | Articles 25-28 |
| Cultural and Educational Rights | Articles 29-30 |
| Right to Property (now repealed) | Article 31 |
| Right to Constitutional Remedies | Article 32 |
Originally how many Fundamental Rights were there in the Constitution?
The Right to Property was removed from Fundamental Rights by which amendment?
The Right to Property is now an ordinary legal right under Article .
The Right to Constitutional Remedies is guaranteed under Article .
For the purposes of Part III, Article 12 defines what counts as the "State".
Which Article defines the term 'State' for the purposes of Part III?
Which of these bodies is cited as an example of 'other authorities' under Article 12?
Under Article 12, 'State' includes the Government and of India.
Article 12 defines the term for the purposes of Part III.
Article 13 is the basis of judicial review, voiding any law that clashes with Fundamental Rights.
Which Article provides the basis for judicial review by declaring inconsistent laws void?
The power of judicial review is conferred on the High Courts under which Article?
Article 13 provides for the power of review.
Nothing in Article 13 applies to any amendment of the Constitution made under Article .
The Right to Equality, spanning Articles 14-18, guarantees equal treatment before the law and bars discrimination, untouchability and titles.
The Right to Equality is covered under which Articles?
Who propounded the concept of 'Rule of Law'?
Article abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form.
The Mandal Commission was chaired by and recommended reservation for OBCs.
The Right to Freedom, under Articles 19-22, secures the core liberties of speech, movement, life and protection on arrest.
Article 19 — Freedom of Speech, etc. (six rights) Article 19 guarantees to all citizens six rights:
How many rights does Article 19 guarantee to all citizens?
Article 21A provides free and compulsory education to children of which age group?
Article 21 protects life and personal liberty except according to procedure established by .
Article 22 recognises two types of detention: punitive detention and detention.
The Right against Exploitation, under Articles 23-24, bans human trafficking, forced labour and child labour.
The Right against Exploitation is covered under which Articles?
Article 24 prohibits the employment of children below what age in factories and mines?
Under Article 23, compulsory work without remuneration is known as .
Article 23 is available to both citizens and .
The Right to Freedom of Religion, under Articles 25-28, secures conscience, religious practice and freedom from religious taxation and instruction.
Article 26 — Freedom to Manage Religious Affairs Every religious denomination or any of its sections shall have the right to:
Article 28 — Freedom from Attending Religious Instruction Article 28 distinguishes between four types of educational institutions:
The Right to Freedom of Religion is covered under which Articles?
Which Article prohibits compelling a person to pay taxes for the promotion of any particular religion?
Article 25 guarantees the rights to freedom of conscience, and to profess, practise and religion.
Article gives every religious denomination the right to manage its own affairs in matters of religion.
These rights, under Articles 29-30, protect the language, script and culture of minorities and their right to run educational institutions.
Cultural and Educational Rights are covered under which Articles?
Which Article grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice?
Article 29 protects the distinct language, script or of any section of citizens.
Article 30 grants rights to minorities, whether religious or .
Article 32 is the right that makes all other rights enforceable — which is why it is called the heart and soul of the Constitution.
| Writ | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Habeas Corpus | *"To have the body of"* |
| Mandamus | *"We command"* |
| Prohibition | *"To forbid"* |
| Certiorari | *"To be certified"* |
| Quo Warranto | *"By what authority or warrant"* |
Who described Article 32 as the 'heart and soul of the Constitution'?
Which writ literally means 'By what authority or warrant'?
Article 32 includes writs.
The writ of Habeas Corpus literally means 'to have the of'.
Articles 33-35 give Parliament special powers over how Fundamental Rights apply.
Which Article empowers Parliament to restrict the Fundamental Rights of members of the armed forces?
Which Article deals with restrictions on Fundamental Rights while martial law is in force?
Under Article , the power to make laws to give effect to certain rights vests only in Parliament.
Article 34 deals with restrictions while law is in force.
Article 361 shields the President and Governors from court action for their official acts.
Which Article protects the President and Governors from being answerable to any court for official acts?
Under Article 361, criminal proceedings cannot be instituted against which office holder?
Article 361 protects the President and from court action for their official acts.
No process for the arrest or of the President or the Governor of a State shall issue.
Take 5 questions at a time — tap an option to check. After each round, revise the notes above and take the retest for 5 fresh questions, until you've mastered the whole chapter.