The Constitution of India guarantees Fundamental Rights to its citizens, ensuring the protection of individual liberties and promoting social equality. Alongside these rights, the Constitution also prescribes Fundamental Duties, which act as moral obligations for citizens to contribute to the nation's harmony and development. This article delves into the specifics of these rights and duties, highlighting their significance in the Indian democratic framework.

Fundamental Rights Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution, from Articles 12 to 35. These rights are justiciable, meaning they are enforceable by the courts. The Supreme Court and High Courts can issue orders or writs for the enforcement of these rights. Here are the key Fundamental Rights guaranteed to Indian citizens:

1. Right to Equality (Articles 14-18)

   • Article 14: Guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws.
   • Article 15: Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
   • Article 16: Ensures equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
   • Article 17: Abolishes "untouchability" and forbids its practice in any form.
   • Article 18: Abolishes titles, except for military and academic distinctions.

2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22)

   • Article 19: Guarantees six freedoms: of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession.
   • Article 20: Protects against arbitrary and excessive punishment by ensuring protection in respect of conviction for offenses.
   • Article 21: Secures the right to life and personal liberty.
   • Article 21A: Provides for free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years.
   • Article 22: Protects against arbitrary arrest and detention.

3. Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24)

   • Article 23: Prohibits human trafficking and forced labor.
   • Article 24: Prohibits child labor in hazardous occupations.

4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28)

   • Article 25: Guarantees freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion.
   • Article 26: Ensures freedom to manage religious affairs.
   • Article 27: Prohibits taxation for the promotion of any particular religion.
   • Article 28: Prohibits religious instruction in state-funded educational institutions.

5. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30)

   • Article 29: Protects the interests of minorities by allowing them to conserve their culture, language, or script.
   • Article 30: Grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)

   • Article 32: Empowers citizens to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights, making it the protector and guarantor of these rights.

Fundamental Duties Fundamental Duties are listed in Article 51A of Part IV-A of the Indian Constitution. They were added by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. While these duties are not enforceable by law, they serve as moral obligations for every citizen. Here are the eleven Fundamental Duties:

1. To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
3. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
4. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
5. To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India, transcending religious, linguistic, and regional or sectional diversities, and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture.
7. To protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
8. To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
9. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
10. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement.
11. To provide opportunities for education to children between the ages of 6 and 14 years and to ensure that they attend school regularly.

Significance and Interrelationship The Fundamental Rights and Duties complement each other, creating a balanced framework for the functioning of Indian democracy. Fundamental Rights ensure the protection of individual freedoms and promote social justice. Fundamental Duties, on the other hand, remind citizens of their responsibilities towards the nation and society.

• Protection of Rights: The judiciary plays a crucial role in protecting Fundamental Rights. Citizens can approach the courts if their rights are violated, ensuring legal redress and maintaining the rule of law.
• Promotion of Duties: Although Fundamental Duties are not legally enforceable, they are essential for the moral and ethical development of citizens. They foster a sense of national unity and responsibility, encouraging citizens to contribute positively to the nation’s growth.

The Fundamental Rights and Duties form the cornerstone of India’s democratic ethos. They ensure a harmonious balance between individual freedoms and social responsibilities, contributing to the overall development and stability of the country. Understanding these rights and duties is vital for every citizen, especially for aspirants of the UPSC examination, as they encapsulate the essence of the Indian Constitution and the values it upholds.