Fundamental Rights — quick revision

India's Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights. There were originally seven — the right to property was removed by the 44th Amendment in 1978 and now sits outside Part III as a constitutional right under Article 300A. That change is one of the most frequently asked facts in this topic.

The six rights and their articles:

Right to Equality (Articles 14–18). Covers equality before law, prohibition of discrimination, equality of opportunity in public employment, abolition of untouchability, and abolition of titles.

Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22). Article 19 lists six freedoms, including speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence and profession. Article 21, the right to life and personal liberty, has been read expansively by the courts to include privacy, education and a clean environment.

Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24). Prohibits trafficking, forced labour, and employment of children below fourteen in hazardous work.

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

Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30). Protects minorities' right to conserve their language and to establish educational institutions.

Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32). Dr B. R. Ambedkar called this "the heart and soul of the Constitution" — without it the other rights would be unenforceable. It lets a citizen approach the Supreme Court directly, and empowers the court to issue five writs: habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and quo warranto.

Points worth memorising: Article 32 applies to the Supreme Court, Article 226 gives High Courts wider writ powers. Fundamental rights are enforceable against the State, with a few exceptions such as Articles 15(2), 17, 23 and 24 which apply against private individuals too.