Improving the Scope of Rights
- Broader Rights Beyond Fundamental Rights: The Indian Constitution and legislation encompass a wider range of rights than just the Fundamental Rights.
- Expansion of Legal Rights: Occasionally, this leads to the expansion of a citizen’s legal rights.
- Judicial Rulings on Rights Expansion: Courts have made decisions over time to broaden the scope of rights.
- Rights Beyond Fundamental Rights: Includes media freedom, access to information, and the right to education.
- Right to Education: School education is now a right for Indian citizens, with the government ensuring free and compulsory education for all children under 14.
- Right to Information: Enacted by Parliament, this right allows citizens to request information from government departments, stemming from the Fundamental Right to Freedom of Thought and Expression.
- Constitutional Rights Beyond Fundamental Rights: Some rights, like the right to property, are constitutional rights rather than Fundamental Rights.
- Human Rights as a Tool for Growth: These universal moral claims may or may not be recognized by law, but there’s increasing pressure on governments to acknowledge them as democracy spreads.
- Evolving Scope of Rights: Over time, the scope of rights has expanded, leading to the emergence of new rights.
Also Check:
Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35): A Comprehensive Guide
Constitutional Rights in India: Articles 12-35 of the Indian Constitution are the all about fundamental rights which are essential human rights granted to every citizen of India. The fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution prevent discrimination based on race, religion, gender, and more. The Fundamental Rights in Indian constitution include important rights like the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right to Education, and Freedom of Religion.
Fundamental Rights Latest News Update
In October 2023, Supreme Court of India ruled that same-sex marriage and civil unions are not covered as fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution. Five-judge panel Bench unanimously decided not to recognize same-sex marriages or ‘civil unions’ in India.
The term “Fundamental Rights” finds its roots in two fundamental principles:
- Constitution as Guarantor: These rights find their sanctuary in the Constitution itself, with an unequivocal guarantee of protection.
- Court-Backed Enforcement: In the event of a breach, individuals possess the power to seek legal recourse, turning to the courts for redressal.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Articles 12-35 and understand why these rights are so important in building a fair and equal society.