Fundamental Rights in Indian Constitution – Articles 12 to 35 Explained (UPSC/RPSC)
The Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution of India are the cornerstone of Indian democracy. These rights protect the liberties and dignity of individuals and ensure equality and justice for all citizens.
Also Read in Hindi: भारतीय संविधान के मौलिक अधिकार – हिंदी में
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Fundamental Rights
- Classification of Fundamental Rights
- Article 12 – Definition of State
- Article 13 – Laws Inconsistent with FRs
- Right to Equality (Art 14–18)
- Right to Freedom (Art 19–22)
- Right Against Exploitation (Art 23–24)
- Right to Freedom of Religion (Art 25–28)
- Cultural & Educational Rights (Art 29–30)
- Right to Constitutional Remedies (Art 32)
- Important Supreme Court Cases
- MCQs + Revision Questions
- Join + Interlink + Read Next
What are Fundamental Rights?
Fundamental Rights are a set of legal guarantees provided to all citizens. These are enforceable by the courts and form the core of Indian democracy.
- Part III (Articles 12 to 35)
- Inspired by the US Bill of Rights
- Described as “heart and soul” of the Constitution – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Classification of Fundamental Rights
- Right to Equality – Articles 14 to 18
- Right to Freedom – Articles 19 to 22
- Right against Exploitation – Articles 23 & 24
- Right to Freedom of Religion – Articles 25 to 28
- Cultural & Educational Rights – Articles 29 & 30
- Right to Constitutional Remedies – Article 32
Article 12: Definition of State
Includes government, Parliament, state legislatures, local authorities, and statutory bodies.
Important Case: Ajay Hasia v. Khalid Mujib
Article 13: Laws Inconsistent with FRs
Declares any law void if it violates Fundamental Rights.
Important Case: Keshavananda Bharati Case
Right to Equality (Articles 14 to 18)
- Article 14 – Equality before law
- Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination
- Article 16 – Equality in public employment
- Article 17 – Abolition of untouchability
- Article 18 – Abolition of titles
Exam Connect: Article 14 is both negative & positive in nature.
Right to Freedom (Articles 19 to 22)
- Article 19 – Six Freedoms
- Article 20 – Protection in criminal offenses
- Article 21 – Right to Life & Liberty
- Article 21A – Right to Education
- Article 22 – Protection against arrest
Case Law: Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)
Right Against Exploitation (Articles 23–24)
- Article 23 – Prohibits human trafficking & forced labour
- Article 24 – Prohibits child labour under 14 years
Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28)
- Freedom of conscience and profession
- No religious instruction in state-funded institutions
Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30)
- Right to conserve language, script, culture
- Rights of minorities to establish educational institutions
Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)
Allows individuals to move the Supreme Court directly.
Dr. Ambedkar: “It is the very heart and soul of the Constitution.”
Landmark Cases
- Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) – FRs cannot be amended
- Keshavananda Bharati Case (1973) – Basic Structure Doctrine
- Maneka Gandhi Case (1978) – Expanded interpretation of Article 21
MCQ + Revision Questions
MCQs:
- Which Article defines ‘State’? → Article 12
- Which Article is called “heart and soul”? → Article 32
- Right to Education is under which Article? → 21A
- Untouchability is abolished by? → Article 17
- Six freedoms are part of? → Article 19
Short Q&A:
- How many Fundamental Rights are there? → 6
- What is Article 21 known for? → Right to Life
- Article related to freedom of religion? → 25–28
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