SSC GK GS Fundamental Rights (मौलिक अधिकार) Indian Polity by Aditya Sir

Fundamental Rights are one of the most important topics in Indian Polity for SSC examinations. These rights form the foundation of democracy in India. They protect individual freedom and ensure equality before the law. Understanding Fundamental Rights helps students answer both objective and conceptual questions in SSC exams.

Here, we’ll explain Fundamental Rights in a clear and structured manner. The focus will be on constitutional articles, enforcement, important cases, and exam-relevant facts. 

Introduction to Fundamental Rights

Fundamental Rights are basic human rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. These rights protect citizens from arbitrary actions of the State. They also promote liberty, equality, and justice.

Every citizen must be aware of these rights. Knowledge of rights creates awareness and responsibility. For SSC aspirants, this topic carries significant weight in GK and GS sections.

Basics of Fundamental Rights

Fundamental Rights are the basic rights that protect the dignity and freedom of every citizen. Aditya Sir highlighted several key facts that frequently appear in SSC exams:

• Source: The idea of Fundamental Rights was borrowed from the USA’s Bill of Rights.

• Constitutional Location: They are described in Part 3 of the Indian Constitution.

• Article Range: They cover Articles 12 to 35.

• Magna Carta of India: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called Part 3 the "Most Illuminating Part." It is often referred to as the "Magna Carta" of the Indian Constitution.

Classification of Fundamental Rights

Originally, the Constitution provided seven fundamental rights. Currently, there are six categories. The Right to Property was removed by the 44th Amendment (1978). It is now only a legal right under Article 300A.

The Six Key Fundamental Rights

While there were originally seven rights, the Right to Property was removed. Today, we have six main categories:

1. Right to Equality (Articles 14–18): * Article 14: Equality before the law.

• Article 17: Abolition of untouchability (a very frequent SSC question).

2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22): * Article 19: Guarantees six freedoms, including speech and expression.

• Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty.

• Article 21A: Right to Education (added by the 86th Amendment, 2002).

3. Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24): * Article 23: Prohibits human trafficking and forced labor.

• Article 24: Prohibits child labor in factories (under 14 years of age).

4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28): * Allows every individual to practice and propagate their religion.

5. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30): * Protects the interests of minorities and their right to establish educational institutions.

6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): * Dr. Ambedkar called this the "Heart and Soul of the Constitution." It allows citizens to move the Supreme Court to protect their rights.

Enforcement and Protection

Aditya Sir emphasized that Fundamental Rights are "justiciable." This means the courts protect them.

• Supreme Court: Under Article 32, you can go directly to the Supreme Court.

• High Courts: Under Article 226, you can approach the High Courts.

• The Five Writs: The courts use five types of legal orders (writs) to protect rights: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto.

Suspension During Emergency

Fundamental Rights are not absolute. The President can suspend them during a National Emergency under Article 359.

• Important Exception: Even during an emergency, Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended.

• Article 20 protects against conviction without due process.

• Article 21 protects the right to life and personal liberty.

Fundamental Rights MCQs for SSC Exams

Below are the MCQs based on important facts related to Fundamental Rights under Indian Polity. These questions are useful for quick revision and SSC exam practice.

Q1. Fundamental Rights are given in which part of the Constitution?

A) Part II
B) Part III
C) Part IV
D) Part V
Answer: B

Q2. Fundamental Rights are covered from which articles?

A) 1–11
B) 12–35
C) 36–51
D) 52–75
Answer: B

Q3. Fundamental Rights were inspired by which country?

A) UK
B) France
C) USA
D) Canada
Answer: C

Q4. Which article allows direct access to the Supreme Court?

A) Article 226
B) Article 32
C) Article 19
D) Article 21
Answer: B

Q5. Which court can issue writs under Article 226?

A) District Court
B) Supreme Court
C) High Court
D) Lok Adalat
Answer: C

Q6. Which writ is used to produce a detained person before court?

A) Mandamus
B) Prohibition
C) Habeas Corpus
D) Certiorari
Answer: C

Q7. Which Fundamental Rights cannot be suspended?

A) Articles 14 and 15
B) Articles 19 and 21
C) Articles 20 and 21
D) Articles 23 and 24
Answer: C

Q8. Who can suspend Fundamental Rights during emergency?

A) Prime Minister
B) Parliament
C) President
D) Supreme Court
Answer: C

Q9. Emergency is declared under which article?

A) Article 356
B) Article 360
C) Article 352
D) Article 365
Answer: C

Q10. Article 14 deals with which right?

A) Freedom
B) Equality
C) Religion
D) Exploitation
Answer: B

Q11. Untouchability is abolished under which article?

A) Article 15
B) Article 16
C) Article 17
D) Article 18
Answer: C

Q12. Which act enforces Article 17?

A) RTI Act
B) Civil Rights Protection Act
C) Factory Act
D) Child Labour Act
Answer: B

Q13. National awards are related to which article?

A) Article 17
B) Article 18
C) Article 19
D) Article 21
Answer: B

Q14. Right to Strike is:

A) Legal Right
B) Fundamental Right
C) Constitutional Right
D) Not a Fundamental Right
Answer: D

Q15. Article 24 prohibits employment of children below:

A) 12 years
B) 14 years
C) 16 years
D) 18 years
Answer: B

Q16. Which amendment removed Right to Property?

A) 42nd
B) 44th
C) 73rd
D) 86th
Answer: B

Q17. Which case introduced Basic Structure Doctrine?

A) Golaknath
B) Minerva Mills
C) Kesavananda Bharati
D) Maneka Gandhi
Answer: C

Q18. Article 21A is related to:

A) Right to Life
B) Right to Education
C) Right to Equality
D) Right to Religion
Answer: B

Q19. Right to Freedom of Religion is given under which articles?

A) 19–22
B) 23–24
C) 25–28
D) 29–30
Answer: C

Q20. Habeas Corpus must be produced before magistrate within:

A) 12 hours
B) 24 hours
C) 48 hours
D) 72 hours
Answer: B