Fundamental rights and duties

Fundamental rights What are fundamental rights? The basic rights of an individual to live life with safety and security. Enshrined in the constitution and safeguarded by the State Guaranteed to all citizens Difficult for the State to withdraw these Rights. The process to make any changes is very cumbersome If these rights are violated by any individual, corporate body or any arm of the State, the affected party can go to Court.

Fundamental rights we enjoy Right to Equality Right to Freedom Right against Exploitation Right to Freedom of Religion Cultural and Educational Rights Right to Constitutional Remedies

Fundamental Duties Rights and duties are two sides of the same coin Rights are guaranteed to us by the State In return we owe certain Fundamental Duties to the State Some important fundamental duties are: To respect the Constitution, the National Flag and the National Anthem To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all people in India. To protect and improve our national environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife.

Directive Principles of State What are Directive Principles? Directions to the Government regarding the policies and actions they should take to achieve the objectives of a Welfare State. Concept is borrowed from the Irish Constitution The Government is not legally bound to implement it, but will work towards it. Some directive principles are controversial – e.g. banning cow slaughter; prohibition of alcoholic drinks; Uniform Civil Code Some Direct Principles have been converted into the nature of fundamental rights – e.g. ‘Right to Education’