Fundamental rights are basic human rights. These rights are considered necessary for the development of the personality of an individual. Without the enjoyment of these rights the happines and development of the individual is not possible. They are included in our constitution so that every citizen can enjoy them and no one is able to encroach upon them.
The Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights and these form very important part of the constituion. These fundamental rights are-(i) Right to Equality, (fi) Right to Freedom (iii) Right against Exploitation, (iu) Right to Freedom of Religion, (v) Cultural and Educational Rights and (w) Right to Constitutional Remedies.
Every citizen in a democratic country needs these rights in order to grow as balanced and responsible citizens. The constitution guarantees that all citizens will be equally protected by the laws of the country. It means that the state cannot discriminate against a citizen on the basis of race, caste, sex, religion or place of birth. The state also cannot discriminate against any one in matter of employment.
The Rights to freedom is a cluster of several rights, such as freedom of speech and expression, freedom to assemble peace fully and without arms, freedom to form Associations or unions, freedom to move freely throughout the country, freedom to reside and settle in any part of the country and freedom to practice any profession. However, the constitution imposes restrictions on these rights. The government can resist these freedoms in the interest of the independence, soverignty and integrity of India.
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Our Constitution forbids employment of children below the age of 14 years in dangerous jobs like mines and factories. Instead children should be allowed to get education and lead happy childhood. Thus, Right against Exploitation is a legal weapon to protect today’s children. If this right is violated, one can go to the court of law to get justice.
Right to Freedom of Religion provides religious freedom to all the citizens of India. All the citizens are free to profess, practise and propagate any religion. Every religious denomination has the right to maintain its institutions for religious purposes. It also lays down that no religious instructions can be provided in any educational institution maintained out of the state funds.
The Cultural and Educational Rights give to every community the rights to protect language, script and culture. It allows all the minorties, whether based on language, or religion to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
The Right to Constitutional Remedies is a very special right. This right empowers the citizens to go to the court in case of denial of any of these fundamental rights. The court of law stands as a guard against the violation of these rights by the government. In case the government uses power against a citizens unjustly or if he/she is imprisoned or punished without reason, or unlawfully, Right to Constitutional Remedies empowers the aggrieved person to go to court and get justice against the goverment action.
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Thus, fundamental rights play a very important role in the life of a citizen. These rights can protect us in times of difficulty. They prepare a child to grow into a good human being.