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Part III of the Constitution of India (Articles 12–35) guarantees Fundamental Rights to all citizens (and in some cases, to all persons). These include the right to equality, freedoms, protection against exploitation, freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies. Fundamental Rights are justiciable and enforceable by courts, but are subject to reasonable restrictions permitted by the Constitution in the interests of sovereignty, security, public order, morality, and other specified grounds.
Articles 12 to 35
Definitions
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Laws inconsistent with or in derogation of the fundamental rights
Equality before law
Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth
Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment
Abolition of Untouchability
Abolition of titles
Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.
Protection in respect of conviction for offences
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Protection of life and personal liberty
Right to education
Protection Against Arrest and Detention in Certain Cases
Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc.
Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion
Freedom to manage religious affairs
Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion
Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions
Protection of interests of minorities
Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions
Compulsory acquisition of property
Saving of laws providing for acquisition of estates, etc.
Validation of certain Acts and Regulations
Saving of laws giving effect to certain directive principles
Saving of laws in respect of anti-national activities
Remedies for enforcement of rights conferred by this Part
Constitutional validity of State laws not to be considered in proceedings under article 32
Power of Parliament to modify the rights conferred by this Part in their application to Forces, etc.
Restriction on rights conferred by this Part while martial law is in force in any area
Legislation to give effect to the provisions of this Part
Frequently Asked Questions
How many categories of Fundamental Rights are recognized in Part III?
Six categories are recognized: Right to Equality (Articles 14–18), Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22), Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24), Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28), Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30), and Right to Constitutional Remedies (Articles 32–35).
What is the scope of Article 12 and Article 13?
Article 12 defines 'the State' for Part III, and Article 13 renders void laws that are inconsistent with or in derogation of Fundamental Rights, subject to constitutional provisions.
What freedoms are protected under Article 19?
Article 19 protects freedoms of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession, subject to constitutionally specified restrictions.
What does Article 21 guarantee?
Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty according to procedure established by law.
Is education a Fundamental Right?
Yes, Article 21A provides for the right to education in accordance with the Constitution.
How are Fundamental Rights enforced?
Article 32 provides the right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of Fundamental Rights, and Parliament may enact laws to give effect to Part III.
Can Parliament modify Fundamental Rights for specific services?
Under Article 33, Parliament can modify the application of certain rights to the armed forces and related services as provided by law.