Fundamental Rights are the basic human freedoms guaranteed to every citizen of India under Part III (Articles 12–35) of the Constitution of India. These rights are essential for the overall development of individuals and to ensure political democracy in the country. They protect citizens from arbitrary actions of the State and promote equality, liberty, and justice.
NDA & CDS 1 2026 Exam GK- Fundamental Rights – Part 2
Features of Fundamental Rights
- Justiciable – Citizens can approach the Supreme Court or High Courts if their rights are violated.
- Enforceable by Courts – Article 32 provides the right to constitutional remedies.
- Not Absolute – Reasonable restrictions can be imposed.
- Available to Citizens and Non-Citizens – Some rights are exclusive to citizens.
Six Fundamental Rights
1. Right to Equality (Articles 14–18)
- Equality before law (Article 14)
- Prohibition of discrimination (Article 15)
- Equality of opportunity in public employment (Article 16)
- Abolition of untouchability (Article 17)
- Abolition of titles (Article 18)
2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22)
- Freedom of speech and expression
- Freedom of assembly
- Freedom of association
- Freedom of movement
- Freedom of residence
- Freedom of profession
- Protection in respect of conviction for offences (Article 20)
- Protection of life and personal liberty (Article 21)
- Right to education (Article 21A)
- Protection against arrest and detention (Article 22)
The landmark case of Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India expanded the scope of Article 21.
3. Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24)
- Prohibition of human trafficking and forced labour
- Prohibition of child labour in hazardous industries
4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28)
- Freedom of conscience
- Freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion
- Freedom to manage religious affairs
5. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30)
- Protection of language, script and culture of minorities
- Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar called Article 32 the “heart and soul” of the Constitution. Citizens can directly approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
The Supreme Court can issue writs such as:
- Habeas Corpus
- Mandamus
- Prohibition
- Certiorari
- Quo Warranto
The power of judicial review was strengthened in the historic case of Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, which introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine.
Importance of Fundamental Rights
- Safeguard democracy
- Promote social justice
- Protect minority rights
- Ensure dignity and liberty
- Prevent misuse of State power
Fundamental Rights form the backbone of Indian democracy and ensure that governance remains constitutional and accountable.
20 MCQs on Fundamental Rights (With Explanations)
1. Fundamental Rights are contained in which part of the Constitution?
A) Part II
B) Part III
C) Part IV
D) Part V
Answer: B
Explanation: Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III (Articles 12–35).
2. Which Article provides the Right to Constitutional Remedies?
A) Article 19
B) Article 21
C) Article 32
D) Article 226
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 32 allows citizens to approach the Supreme Court directly.
3. Equality before law is guaranteed under:
A) Article 13
B) Article 14
C) Article 15
D) Article 16
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 14 ensures equality before law and equal protection of laws.
4. Untouchability is abolished under:
A) Article 15
B) Article 16
C) Article 17
D) Article 18
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 17 abolishes untouchability in all forms.
5. Freedom of speech and expression is provided under:
A) Article 18
B) Article 19
C) Article 20
D) Article 21
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
6. Protection of life and personal liberty is under:
A) Article 20
B) Article 21
C) Article 22
D) Article 23
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 21 ensures right to life and personal liberty.
7. Which right was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment?
A) Right to Property
B) Right to Education
C) Right to Equality
D) Right to Religion
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 21A (Right to Education) was added in 2002.
8. Prohibition of child labour is under:
A) Article 22
B) Article 23
C) Article 24
D) Article 25
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 24 prohibits child labour in hazardous employment.
9. Cultural and Educational Rights protect:
A) Women
B) Minorities
C) SC/ST
D) Workers
Answer: B
Explanation: Articles 29–30 protect minority interests.
10. Which writ is issued to produce a detained person before court?
A) Mandamus
B) Habeas Corpus
C) Certiorari
D) Prohibition
Answer: B
Explanation: Habeas Corpus safeguards personal liberty.
11. Basic Structure Doctrine was laid down in:
A) Golaknath Case
B) Maneka Gandhi Case
C) Kesavananda Bharati Case
D) Minerva Mills Case
Answer: C
Explanation: The 1973 judgment introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine.
12. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of:
A) Religion
B) Race
C) Caste
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Article 15 prohibits discrimination on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
13. Preventive detention is related to:
A) Article 19
B) Article 20
C) Article 21
D) Article 22
Answer: D
Explanation: Article 22 provides safeguards in case of arrest and detention.
14. Which right was removed from Fundamental Rights?
A) Right to Equality
B) Right to Property
C) Right to Freedom
D) Right to Religion
Answer: B
Explanation: Right to Property was removed by the 44th Amendment (1978).
15. Freedom of religion is guaranteed under:
A) Articles 19–22
B) Articles 23–24
C) Articles 25–28
D) Articles 29–30
Answer: C
Explanation: Articles 25–28 deal with religious freedom.
16. Article 16 deals with:
A) Religious freedom
B) Equality in public employment
C) Freedom of speech
D) Cultural rights
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 16 ensures equal opportunity in public employment.
17. Which writ directs a public official to perform his duty?
A) Mandamus
B) Certiorari
C) Prohibition
D) Habeas Corpus
Answer: A
Explanation: Mandamus compels a public authority to perform legal duties.
18. Which Article prohibits human trafficking?
A) Article 21
B) Article 22
C) Article 23
D) Article 24
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 23 prohibits trafficking and forced labour.
19. Abolition of titles is mentioned in:
A) Article 16
B) Article 17
C) Article 18
D) Article 19
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 18 abolishes titles except military and academic distinctions.
20. The “Heart and Soul” of the Constitution is:
A) Article 14
B) Article 19
C) Article 21
D) Article 32
Answer: D
Explanation: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described Article 32 as the heart and soul of the Constitution.
