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Fundamental Rights and Duties

Fundamental rights are those rights which are essential for the well being of a person. Part III of
the Indian Constitution contains the list of Fundamental Rights; that guarantees civil liberties to all
the citizens of India to live in peace and harmony without the fear of being suppressed by others.
The Indian Judiciary has the discretion to punish those violating these fundamental rights under
the provisions of the Indian Penal Code. No person can be deprived these rights pertaining to basic
liberty in the form of human freedoms. It is the judiciary that safeguards these rights of the
citizens. In some exceptional cases, i.e. during emergencies the State can impose restrictions on
the enjoyment of these fundamental rights.

Fundamental Rights

The Constitution provides for the enjoyment of 6 Fundamental rights. They are:
1. Right to Equality
2. Right to Freedom
3. Right against exploitation
4. Right to Freedom of Religion
5. Cultural and Educational rights
6. Right to Constitutional remedies

Fundamental Duties

Fundamental Duties are recognized as moral obligations which the citizens are expected to
perform. There are 10 Fundamental duties that the citizens are expected to discharge. They are :
It shall be the duty of every citizens of India-
(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the

National Anthem;
(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;
(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
(d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India

transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices
derogatory to the dignity of women;
(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;
(g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life,
and to have compassion for living creatures;
(h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;
(i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;
(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the
nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.

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