Part III & Part IV-A
The Constitution guarantees every citizen certain inalienable rights — and asks for responsibilities in return. Know both.
Under Articles 12–35, these rights are enforceable in courts. Click any right to expand.
Articles 14–18
Every person is equal before the law and entitled to equal protection. The State cannot discriminate based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
📍 Real-Life Example
A woman cannot be denied a government job solely because of her gender. An SC/ST student cannot be refused admission based on caste.
Also includes: Abolition of untouchability (Art. 17) and abolition of titles (Art. 18).
Articles 19–22
Guarantees freedom of speech and expression, peaceful assembly, forming associations, free movement throughout India, residence, and practising any profession.
📍 Real-Life Example
A journalist can write a critical article about the government. A worker can form a trade union. A person can travel from Kashmir to Kanyakumari freely.
Article 21: Right to life and personal liberty — the most expansive right, covering privacy, health, education and more.
Articles 23–24
Prohibits human trafficking, forced labour (begar), and child labour in hazardous occupations. No child under 14 may work in a factory, mine or dangerous work.
📍 Real-Life Example
Bonded labourers in agriculture can seek liberation. A factory owner hiring children under 14 violates the Constitution and faces criminal prosecution.
Articles 25–28
Every person has the right to freely profess, practise and propagate any religion. Religious institutions can manage their own affairs. No person can be compelled to pay taxes for religious promotion.
📍 Real-Life Example
A Hindu can build a temple; a Muslim can build a mosque; a Christian can build a church. No government can tell a citizen which god to worship.
Articles 29–30
Any minority group — based on religion or language — has the right to conserve its script and culture, and to establish educational institutions of its choice.
📍 Real-Life Example
Urdu-speaking minorities can set up Urdu-medium schools. Christian missionaries can run schools. Tamil communities can preserve and promote Tamil culture.
Articles 32–35
Called the "heart and soul" of the Constitution by Dr. Ambedkar. You can directly approach the Supreme Court or High Court to enforce any Fundamental Right through writs: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo-Warranto.
📍 Real-Life Example
If illegally arrested, you or someone on your behalf can file a Habeas Corpus writ forcing the government to produce you before the court.
Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) under Article 51-A. While not legally enforceable, they guide responsible citizenship.
Respect the Constitution, national flag, and national anthem. These are not mere symbols — they represent India's sovereignty.
Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. Render national service when called upon.
Promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all people of India regardless of religion, language, or region.
Protect and improve the natural environment — forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife. Have compassion for living creatures.
Develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform. Challenge superstition with reason.
Safeguard public property and abjure violence. Don't damage government buildings, roads, transport or other national assets.
Strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels.
Every parent/guardian must provide opportunities for education to their child between 6 and 14 years of age. (Added by 86th Amendment, 2002)
Value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture — art, music, dance, literature, monuments, ancient wisdom.
Cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired our national struggle for freedom — truth, non-violence, sacrifice, and service.
Renounce practices that are derogatory to the dignity of women. This includes dowry, female foeticide, domestic violence, and gender discrimination.