Question

Hi 9th mates,
Detail...
How do you enjoy the fundamental rights in your life

Answer 1

Fundamental Rights are enshrined in the Constitution of India which ensure the rights of citizens against arbitrary actions of the government and its machinery.

Unfortunately, over the past few years, there have been several instances where the government of the day has been accused of violating the fundamental rights of citizens. For example, arrest of cartoonist Aseem Trivedi on sedition charges for allegedly insulting the national symbols and the arrest of two girls in Mumbai for posting on the bandh in connection with Bal Thackeray’s funeral. These incidences show that it is important for us to understand our rights and, most importantly, know when our fundamental rights are being violated.

While the complete list of rights can be read on Wikipedia, below mentioned are some which can be very useful for us in our daily lives:

1. Right to propagate ones views as well as the views of others

2. Right against bandh called by political parties

3. Freedom of silence

4. Right to demonstrate or picket but NOT to strike.

5. Right to assemble peacefully and without arms

6. Right to form an association or union and also right to NOT join an association or union.

7. Right to move freely throughout the country

8. Right to practice any profession

9. No person shall be convicted of the same offence twice

10. No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself. Material objects, thumb impression, blood specimen have to be given but no documentary or oral evidence should be asked for.

11. Right to decent environment including pollution free air and water.

12. Right to free legal support

13. Right against handcuffing

14. Right to reputation

15. Right to fair trial

16. If arrested under ordinary law: right to be informed of grounds of arrest, right to be produced before magistrate in 24 hours and right to be released within 24 hours unless magistrate calls for further detention.

Also, empowerment of citizens can be a reality only when the rights can be materialized. That is, we know what to do when our rights have been violated.

Article 32 of the Indian Constitution has designated Supreme Court as the guardian of our Fundamental Rights. Therefore, a citizen whose rights have been infringed can directly approach the Supreme Court for justice. It is only for Fundamental rights alone that Supreme Court can be directly approached which only shows the kind of importance our Constitution gives to the rights.

Today, there are numerous NGOs and activists who are working towards securing the rights of aggrieved citizens. Therefore, anyone, who feels hesitant in moving the courts, can approach them and through their cooperation ensure justice for themselves.

As we can see, the infrastructure for securing the rights of the citizen is in its correct place. Now, the onus is on us, to be aware and to empower ourselves by the powers vested us by our constitution.

Thank You.