Why this matters now
Fundamental Rights are the most heavily examined part of polity — the six categories, the key articles, the reasonable restrictions, and landmark cases (Maneka Gandhi, Kesavananda, Puttaswamy). They are also live in every contemporary debate on liberty, equality and the State.
The six categories
| Right | Articles |
|---|---|
| Right to Equality | 14-18 (equality before law, no discrimination, equality of opportunity, abolition of untouchability and titles) |
| Right to Freedom | 19-22 (six freedoms, protection in conviction, life & personal liberty under Article 21, protection against arrest) |
| Right against Exploitation | 23-24 (ban on trafficking, forced labour and child labour) |
| Right to Freedom of Religion | 25-28 |
| Cultural & Educational Rights | 29-30 (minority rights) |
| Right to Constitutional Remedies | 32 (the right to move the Supreme Court — “heart and soul” per Ambedkar) |
Key features
- Enforceable against the State (Article 12 defines “State” broadly);
- Justiciable — citizens can approach the courts (Article 32 / Article 226) directly;
- Most are not absolute — subject to reasonable restrictions (e.g., the six freedoms of Article 19);
- Can be suspended during a national emergency (Article 358/359) — but Articles 20 and 21 can never be suspended (44th Amendment);
- The Right to Property was removed as a fundamental right by the 44th Amendment (1978) — it is now a legal right under Article 300A.
Landmark cases
- Maneka Gandhi (1978) — Article 21 read expansively; “procedure established by law” must be just, fair and reasonable;
- Kesavananda Bharati (1973) — Fundamental Rights can be amended but not so as to destroy the basic structure;
- K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) — Right to Privacy is part of Article 21;
- Article 21 now includes the rights to dignity, health, education, clean environment, livelihood and more.
UPSC angle
Lock the six categories with their article ranges, Article 32 as “heart and soul”, the reasonable-restriction principle, the removal of property (Art 300A), and Maneka/Puttaswamy on Article 21.
Frequently asked questions
What are the six Fundamental Rights?
Right to Equality (14-18), Right to Freedom (19-22), Right against Exploitation (23-24), Right to Freedom of Religion (25-28), Cultural & Educational Rights (29-30), and the Right to Constitutional Remedies (32).
Why is Article 32 called the heart and soul of the Constitution?
Because it guarantees the right to move the Supreme Court directly to enforce Fundamental Rights — Dr. Ambedkar called it the heart and soul of the Constitution.
Is the Right to Property a Fundamental Right?
No — it was removed by the 44th Amendment (1978) and is now a legal/constitutional right under Article 300A.
Can Fundamental Rights be suspended?
Most can be suspended during a national emergency (Articles 358/359), but Articles 20 and 21 can never be suspended.