Introduction
The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, begins with a powerful promise: to secure justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens. To ensure this, it enshrines Fundamental Rights—a set of basic rights guaranteed to every individual. These rights are not just legal tools, but powerful instruments to empower citizens and protect them from misuse of power by the State. Over the years, the Indian judiciary has played a vital role in interpreting and protecting these rights. Let’s understand what these rights are and explore some landmark case laws that shaped their evolution.
What Are Fundamental Rights?
Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12 to 35). They are:
- Right to Equality (Articles 14-18)
- Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22)
- Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24)
- Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28)
- Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30)
- Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)
These rights are enforceable by courts, and any law violating them can be declared unconstitutional.
Why Are They Important?
- They act as a check on arbitrary actions of the State.
- They protect minorities and vulnerable groups.
- They promote individual dignity, liberty, and equality.
- They form the cornerstone of Indian democracy.
Landmark Case Laws That Shaped Fundamental Rights
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Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
Impact: This case gave birth to the “Basic Structure Doctrine.” The Supreme Court held that Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution, but not the basic structure—which includes Fundamental Rights.
Significance: It preserved the essence of the Constitution and protected citizens’ rights from total override. -
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)
Impact: The court widened the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). It held that any “procedure” depriving a person of life or liberty must be “just, fair, and reasonable.”
Significance: It made Article 21 the foundation for several other rights like the right to privacy, right to travel, and more. -
Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975)
Impact: During the Emergency, the court protected democratic rights by declaring that free and fair elections are part of the basic structure.
Significance: Reinforced democratic values and the integrity of the electoral process. -
Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017)
Impact: Right to Privacy was declared a fundamental right under Article 21.
Significance: It changed the legal landscape for personal data protection, surveillance laws, and bodily autonomy. -
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)
Impact: Section 66A of the IT Act, which criminalized “offensive” online speech, was struck down as unconstitutional.
Significance: Strengthened freedom of speech and expression (Article 19) in the digital age. -
Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)
Impact: Decriminalized homosexuality by striking down Section 377 of the IPC to the extent it criminalized consensual same-sex relationships.
Significance: A big win for LGBTQIA+ rights and human dignity under Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21.
Conclusion
Fundamental Rights are not just words on paper—they are living principles that breathe life into Indian democracy. From freedom of speech to the right to equality, these rights empower citizens and hold the State accountable. Thanks to judicial activism, these rights have evolved with time, reflecting the needs and values of a changing society.
As responsible citizens, it’s not only our duty to exercise these rights but also to protect them. After all, democracy thrives not just on laws but on informed, empowered, and vigilant citizens.
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