Fundamental Rights of Indian Constitution Part III (Article 12 to 35) – Notes & MCQ for SSC, UPSC , Railway Aspirants.

Introduction:

The Fundamental Rights are the basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India to all its citizens. These rights are mentioned in Part III of the Constitution, from Article 12 to Article 35. Understanding these rights is crucial for students preparing for SSC, UPSC, Railway, and other government exams. In this post, we will explain each article along with real-life examples to help you remember them better.

📖 List of 6 Fundamental Rights:

There are six Fundamental Rights under the Constitution:

1.     Right to Equality (Articles 14 to 18)

2.     Right to Freedom (Articles 19 to 22)

3.     Right against Exploitation (Articles 23 and 24)

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

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

6.     Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)

Let’s now understand each right in detail with examples.

Article 12 – Definition of the State
Defines the term 'State' to include government and its agencies.
Example: If a government-run college discriminates during admission, it can be challenged under Fundamental Rights.

Article 13 – Laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights
Declares that any law that violates Fundamental Rights is void.
Example: A law banning peaceful protest will be unconstitutional under this article.

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1. Right to Equality (Articles 14–18):

·       Article 14 – Equality before Law and Equal Protection
Everyone is equal before the law.
Example: A VIP and a common man both must be punished for the same crime equally.

·       Article 15 – Prohibition of Discrimination
No discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Example: A school cannot deny admission to a girl based on her caste.

·       Article 16 – Equality in Public Employment
Equal opportunity in government jobs.
Example: Government job recruitment must be open to all eligible candidates.

·       Article 17 – Abolition of Untouchability
Untouchability is a punishable offence.
Example: Denying temple entry to Dalits is illegal.

·       Article 18 – Abolition of Titles
No titles except military/academic distinctions.
Example: The government cannot give titles like "Sir" or "Raja".

Exam Tip: Simple one-liner questions from this are often asked in SSC, NDA, and CDS exams.

 

2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19 to 22)

Article 19 – Protection of 6 Freedoms
Includes:

·       Freedom of speech

·       Freedom to assemble

·       Freedom to form associations

·       Freedom to move freely

·       Freedom to reside

·       Freedom to practice any profession

Example: You can protest peacefully or speak your opinion unless it harms public order.

Article 20 – Protection in Respect of Conviction
No double punishment, no retroactive law, and right against self-incrimination.
Example: You can’t be punished twice for the same crime.

Article 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty
Right to live with dignity.
Example: Right to clean water, right to privacy.

Article 21A – Right to Education
Free education for children aged 6–14.

The Right to Education was added to the Indian Constitution by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002.
Example: Government must provide free schooling.

Article 22 – Protection against Arrest and Detention
Rights of arrested individuals.
Example: A person arrested must be informed of the reason and allowed to consult a lawyer.

Concept of the Constitution: Meaning, Functions, Features & Classification. Ultimate Polity Guide for UPSC/SSC/Railway.

3. Right against Exploitation (Articles 23 and 24)

Article 23 – Prohibition of Human Trafficking and Forced Labour
No begar (forced labour) or human trafficking.
Example: Children cannot be made to work in mines or factories.

Article 24 – Prohibition of Child Labour
No employment of children below 14 in hazardous jobs.
Example: A factory hiring kids under 14 is illegal.

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

·       Article 25 – Freedom of Religion
Freedom to practice, profess, and propagate religion.
Example: You can follow any religion or none at all.

·       Article 26 – Freedom to Manage Religious Affairs
Religious institutions can manage their affairs.
Example: A temple can manage its own property and rituals.

·       Article 27 – No Tax for Religious Promotion
No taxes can be used to promote religion.
Example: Government cannot use public money to fund religious events.

·       Article 28 – Freedom in Religious Education
Religious instruction is restricted in educational institutions.
Example: Government schools can’t force students to attend religious classes.

 

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

Article 29 – Protection of Cultural Rights
Preserve culture, script, and language.
Example: Tamilians can preserve their language in schools.

Article 30 – Minority Rights to Establish Institutions
Minorities can open and manage their own schools.
Example: A Christian community can start a Christian school.

Preamble of the Indian Constitution: Exam-Oriented Guide for SSC, UPSC & Railway Aspirants. (Theory & MCQs)

 

6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32):

Article 32 – Right to Approach the Supreme Court
If your rights are violated, you can directly go to the Supreme Court.
Example: If someone is unlawfully detained, you can file a writ petition.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called Article 32 the "heart and soul" of the Constitution.

7. Articles 33 to 35 – Restrictions and Power to Amend Rights:

Article 33 – Parliament can limit rights for armed forces.
Example: Soldiers may not have freedom to protest.

Article 34 – Rights can be suspended during martial law.
Example: Rights can be limited in war zones.

Article 35 – Only Parliament can make laws on certain rights.

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Sources of the Indian Constitution: Exam-Oriented Guide for SSC, UPSC & Railway Aspirants, Complete Theory & MCQ.

FAQs: Fundamental Rights for Competitive Exams

Q1. How many Fundamental Rights are there in the Indian Constitution?
There are six Fundamental Rights listed from Articles 12 to 35.

Q2. What is Article 21 of the Indian Constitution?
Article 21 guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty.

Q3. What is the importance of Article 32?
It allows citizens to directly approach the Supreme Court if any right is violated.

Q4. What is Article 17 in simple words?
It bans untouchability and makes it punishable by law.

Q5. Can Fundamental Rights be suspended?
Yes, some rights can be suspended during Emergency under Article 34.

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