Fundamental Rights of the Indian Constitution – UPPSC Notes Polity

The Fundamental Rights UPPSC Notes Polity are one of the most important features of the Indian Constitution, guaranteeing basic human rights and freedoms to all citizens.
They form the backbone of Indian democracy and ensure equality, liberty, and justice.

Constitutional Provision

Part III of the Indian Constitution (Articles 12 to 35) deals with Fundamental Rights.

They were inspired by the Bill of Rights of the USA and are enforceable by courts.

The Fundamental Rights are known as the Magna Carta of India.

List of Fundamental Rights

There are six Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution:

1.Right to Equality Articles 14–182

2. Right to Freedom Articles 19–223

3. Right against Exploitation Articles 23–244

4. Right to Freedom of Religion Articles 25–285

5. Cultural and Educational Rights Articles 29–306

6. Right to Constitutional Remedies Article 32

1. Right to Equality (Articles 14–18)

Ensures equal protection of laws and equality before the law (Article 14).

Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth (Article 15).

Ensures equal opportunity in public employment (Article 16).

Abolishes untouchability (Article 17).

Abolishes titles except military or academic distinctions (Article 18).

2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22)

Article 19 guarantees six freedoms:

Freedom of speech and expression

2. Freedom to assemble peacefully

3. Freedom to form associations

4. Freedom to move freely

5. Freedom to reside anywhere in India

6. Freedom to practice any profession

Article 20: Protection in respect of conviction for offences

Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty

Article 22: Rights of arrested persons

Landmark case: Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) expanded Article 21 to include “Right to live with dignity.”

3. Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24)

Prohibits human trafficking, begar (forced labour), and child labour below 14 years and Ensures human dignity and freedom.

4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28)

Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion.

India is a secular state — the state has no official religion.

5. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30)

Protects the interests of minorities in maintaining their culture and language.

Allows minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.

6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)

Called the “Heart and Soul of the Constitution” by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

Empowers citizens to move the Supreme Court or High Courts for enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

Courts can issue five types of writs — Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto.

Important Points to Remember

Fundamental Rights are not absolute; they can be restricted under reasonable limitations.

During a National Emergency (Article 352), rights under Article 19 get suspended.

They are justiciable — meaning courts can enforce them.

Applicable to both citizens and non-citizens (some rights only to citizens).

Article 13: Declares any law inconsistent with Fundamental Rights as void.

Landmark Supreme Court Judgments

Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): Established the Basic Structure Doctrine.

Maneka Gandhi Case (1978): Expanded the meaning of “personal liberty.”

Minerva Mills Case (1980): Balanced Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.

Static GK Box: Fundamental Rights

Part of Constitution – Part III (Articles 12–35)

Inspired by. – Bill of Rights (USA)

Enforced by – Supreme Court & High Courts

Introduced in – 1950 (since commencement of Constitution)

Total Rights – 6 Categories, 24 Articles

Key Feature – Justiciable & Enforceable

Conclusion –

The Fundamental Rights not only form the foundation of democracy but also serve as a safeguard for individual liberty and constitutional morality.Understanding these rights is crucial for every UPPSC aspirant, as questions based on articles, landmark cases, and constitutional features are frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains.