As mentioned earlier, Part III of the Constitution of India, consisting of Articles 12 to 35, deals with Fundamental Rights which are armed with constitutional remedies. Let us have a look at those fundamental rights.
- Right to Equality (Art. 14 – 18)
Article 14, upholding the right to equality before law, prohibits the State from denying any person equality before law or equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. Article 15 prohibits the State from discriminating any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth. Further, no citizen shall on the grounds mentioned above be subject to any disability, liability, restriction or condition with regard to access to public places and use of public amenities dedicated to the use of general public maintained wholly or partly by the State. Article 16 empowers the citizens with equal opportunity in public employment or appointment to any office under the State without any discrimination. Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden and made an offence punishable under the law (Art. 17). Titles, not being a military or academic distinction, are abolished (Art. 18). The law treats everyone equally and does not favour anyone. The concept of proportional equality expects the state to take affirmative action in favour of disadvantaged sections of the society within the framework of liberal democracy.
- Right to Freedom (Art. 19 – 22)
- Protection of Fundamental Freedoms (Art. 19)
Article 19 guarantees certain fundamental freedoms to the citizens. All citizens shall have the right: (a) to freedom of speech and expression; (b) to assemble peaceable…
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Fr Ravi Sagar SJ
