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Quick recap: Fundamental Rights on one page

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿವರಣೆ

Fundamental Rights · Quick recap · Fact-checked on 15 October 2026 · how we check

Written with AI from the sources listed at the bottom of this page, then fact-checked by a separate AI.

All four parts of Fundamental Rights condensed for quick revision: the six rights, the key articles, cases and amendments, a one-table overview and eight mixed questions.

Each idea is explained first in Kannada (ಕನ್ನಡ), ending with the English and Hindi exam terms, followed by the same point in exam English. UPSC Prelims is in English or Hindi, so understand it in Kannada and revise it in English.

ಮೂಲಭೂತ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳು ಸಂವಿಧಾನದ ಮೂರನೇ ಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ, ವಿಧಿ 12–35ರಲ್ಲಿವೆ. ಉಲ್ಲಂಘನೆಯಾದರೆ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗಬಹುದು, ಆದರೆ ಇವು ಮಿತಿಯಿಲ್ಲದವಲ್ಲ. ಇವು ಮುಖ್ಯವಾಗಿ 'ರಾಜ್ಯ'ವನ್ನು ನಿಯಂತ್ರಿಸುತ್ತವೆ — ವಿಧಿ 12ರ ಪ್ರಕಾರ ಸರ್ಕಾರಗಳು, ಶಾಸಕಾಂಗಗಳು, ಸ್ಥಳೀಯ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳು, ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣದ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳು ಎಲ್ಲವೂ 'ರಾಜ್ಯ'. ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳನ್ನು ಉಲ್ಲಂಘಿಸುವ ಕಾನೂನು ಆ ಮಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಅಸಿಂಧು (ವಿಧಿ 13). ಐದು ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳು ನಾಗರಿಕರಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ: 15, 16, 19, 29, 30; ಉಳಿದವು ವಿದೇಶೀಯರು ಸೇರಿ ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ. (→ English: Fundamental Rights · हिन्दी: मूल अधिकार)

In exam EnglishThe Fundamental Rights are in Part III of the Constitution, Articles 12 to 35. They are justiciable, so a person can go to court to enforce them, but they are not absolute. They mainly limit 'the State', which Article 12 defines widely to include governments, legislatures, local bodies and other authorities under government control. Article 13 makes any law that violates them void to that extent, which is the basis of judicial review. Five rights are for citizens only: Articles 15, 16, 19, 29 and 30; the rest protect every person, including foreigners.

The six Fundamental Rights at a glance
Right	Articles	Key points
Right to Equality	14–18	Equality before law; no discrimination; equal opportunity in public jobs; untouchability and titles abolished
Right to Freedom	19–22	Six freedoms; protection in criminal cases; life and personal liberty; education 6–14; arrest safeguards
Right against Exploitation	23–24	No trafficking or forced labour; no child below 14 in hazardous work
Right to Freedom of Religion	25–28	Conscience and religion; denominations; no tax for one religion; religious instruction rules
Cultural and Educational Rights	29–30	Conserve language, script, culture; minority educational institutions
Right to Constitutional Remedies	32	Move the Supreme Court; five writs

ಸಮಾನತೆಯ ಹಕ್ಕು ವಿಧಿ 14–18. ವಿಧಿ 14: ಕಾನೂನಿನ ಮುಂದೆ ಸಮಾನತೆ, ಕಾನೂನುಗಳ ಸಮಾನ ರಕ್ಷಣೆ — ಸಮಂಜಸ ವರ್ಗೀಕರಣ ಸರಿ, ಮನಬಂದಂತೆ ಅಲ್ಲ. ವಿಧಿ 15: ಧರ್ಮ, ಜನಾಂಗ, ಜಾತಿ, ಲಿಂಗ, ಹುಟ್ಟಿದ ಸ್ಥಳದ ಕಾರಣಕ್ಕೆ ತಾರತಮ್ಯ ನಿಷೇಧ; ಮಹಿಳೆಯರು, ಮಕ್ಕಳು, ಹಿಂದುಳಿದ ವರ್ಗಗಳಿಗೆ ವಿಶೇಷ ಏರ್ಪಾಡು ಮಾಡಬಹುದು. ವಿಧಿ 16: ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಉದ್ಯೋಗಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸಮಾನ ಅವಕಾಶ, ಮೀಸಲಾತಿಯೊಂದಿಗೆ; ಇಂದ್ರಾ ಸಾಹ್ನಿ (1992) — ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯವಾಗಿ 50% ಮಿತಿ, ಕೆನೆಪದರ ಹೊರಗೆ. ವಿಧಿ 17 ಅಸ್ಪೃಶ್ಯತೆಯನ್ನು, 18 ಬಿರುದುಗಳನ್ನು ರದ್ದುಗೊಳಿಸಿದವು. (→ English: equality before law · हिन्दी: विधि के समक्ष समता)

In exam EnglishThe Right to Equality covers Articles 14 to 18. Article 14 guarantees equality before law and equal protection of the laws; reasonable classification is allowed, arbitrariness is not. Article 15 bars discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, and allows special provisions for women, children and backward classes. Article 16 gives equality of opportunity in public jobs, with reservation for backward classes; Indra Sawhney (1992) set a normal ceiling of 50 per cent and excluded the creamy layer. Article 17 abolishes untouchability and Article 18 abolishes titles, except military and academic distinctions.

ವಿಧಿ 19 ನಾಗರಿಕರಿಗೆ ಆರು ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯಗಳು: ಮಾತು, ಶಾಂತಿಯುತ ಸಭೆ, ಸಂಘ, ದೇಶದಾದ್ಯಂತ ಸಂಚಾರ, ಎಲ್ಲಿಯಾದರೂ ನೆಲೆಸುವುದು, ಯಾವುದೇ ವೃತ್ತಿ. ಆಸ್ತಿ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ (f)ಯನ್ನು 44ನೇ ತಿದ್ದುಪಡಿ (1978) ತೆಗೆಯಿತು. ಪ್ರತಿ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯದ ಮೇಲೂ ಕಾನೂನಿನ ಮೂಲಕ, 19(2)–(6)ರ ಕಾರಣಗಳಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಸಮಂಜಸ ನಿರ್ಬಂಧಗಳು ವಿಧಿಸಬಹುದು — ಅವು ಸಮಂಜಸವೇ ಎಂದು ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯಗಳು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸುತ್ತವೆ. ಯುದ್ಧ ಅಥವಾ ವಿದೇಶಿ ಆಕ್ರಮಣದಿಂದ ತುರ್ತು ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಘೋಷಿಸಿದರೆ 19 ತಾನಾಗಿ ನಿಲ್ಲುತ್ತದೆ (ವಿಧಿ 358). (→ English: reasonable restrictions · हिन्दी: युक्तियुक्त निर्बंधन)

In exam EnglishArticle 19 gives citizens six freedoms: speech and expression, peaceful assembly without arms, association, movement, residence, and profession. The freedom of property, once clause (f), was removed by the 44th Amendment (1978). Each freedom can be limited only by law and only on the grounds listed in clauses (2) to (6), and courts decide whether a restriction is reasonable; the eight grounds for speech include public order, defamation, contempt of court and the sovereignty and integrity of India. Under Article 358, Article 19 is suspended automatically during a national emergency declared on the ground of war or external aggression.

ವಿಧಿ 20–22 ಜೀವ ಮತ್ತು ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯವನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸುತ್ತವೆ. 20: ಹಿಂದಿನ ದಿನಾಂಕದ ಅಪರಾಧ ಕಾನೂನು ಇಲ್ಲ, ಒಂದೇ ಅಪರಾಧಕ್ಕೆ ಎರಡು ಬಾರಿ ಶಿಕ್ಷೆ ಇಲ್ಲ, ತನ್ನ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಸಾಕ್ಷಿ ಹೇಳುವ ಒತ್ತಾಯವಿಲ್ಲ. 21: ಕಾನೂನಿನಿಂದ ಸ್ಥಾಪಿತ ಕಾರ್ಯವಿಧಾನವಲ್ಲದೆ ಜೀವ ಅಥವಾ ವೈಯಕ್ತಿಕ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ವನ್ನು ಕಸಿಯುವಂತಿಲ್ಲ; ಮೇನಕಾ ಗಾಂಧಿ (1978) ನಂತರ ಆ ಕಾರ್ಯವಿಧಾನ ನ್ಯಾಯಯುತವಾಗಿರಬೇಕು; ಖಾಸಗಿತನ, ಜೀವನೋಪಾಯ, ತ್ವರಿತ ವಿಚಾರಣೆ, ಕಾನೂನು ನೆರವು, ಶುದ್ಧ ಪರಿಸರವೂ 21ರ ಭಾಗ. 21A: 6–14 ವರ್ಷದ ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಗೆ ಉಚಿತ, ಕಡ್ಡಾಯ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ (2002). 22: ಬಂಧನದ ರಕ್ಷಣೆಗಳು; ಸಲಹಾ ಮಂಡಳಿ ಇಲ್ಲದೆ ತಡೆಗಟ್ಟುವ ಬಂಧನ 3 ತಿಂಗಳು ಮೀರದು. (→ English: personal liberty · हिन्दी: दैहिक स्वतंत्रता)

In exam EnglishArticles 20 to 22 protect life and liberty. Article 20 bars ex post facto criminal laws, double jeopardy and self-incrimination. Article 21 protects life and personal liberty except according to procedure established by law; since Maneka Gandhi (1978) that procedure must be just, fair and reasonable, and courts have read into it the rights to privacy (Puttaswamy, 2017), livelihood, a speedy trial, legal aid and a clean environment. Article 21A, added by the 86th Amendment (2002), gives free and compulsory education to children aged 6 to 14. Article 22 gives safeguards on arrest, and limits preventive detention to three months unless an Advisory Board approves more.

ಶೋಷಣೆಯ ವಿರುದ್ಧದ ಹಕ್ಕು ವಿಧಿ 23 ಮತ್ತು 24ರಲ್ಲಿದೆ. 23: ಮಾನವ ಕಳ್ಳಸಾಗಣೆ, ಬಿಟ್ಟಿ ದುಡಿಮೆ, ಇತರ ಬಲವಂತದ ದುಡಿಮೆ ನಿಷೇಧ — ಖಾಸಗಿ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳಿಗೂ ಅನ್ವಯ; ಆದರೆ ಸೇನಾ ಸೇವೆಯಂತಹ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ಉದ್ದೇಶಗಳಿಗೆ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ತಾರತಮ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಕಡ್ಡಾಯ ಸೇವೆ ವಿಧಿಸಬಹುದು. ಕನಿಷ್ಠ ವೇತನಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಕೊಡುವುದೂ ಬಲವಂತದ ದುಡಿಮೆಯೇ ಎಂದು ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯ ಹೇಳಿದೆ. 24: 14 ವರ್ಷದೊಳಗಿನ ಮಕ್ಕಳನ್ನು ಕಾರ್ಖಾನೆ, ಗಣಿ, ಅಪಾಯಕಾರಿ ಕೆಲಸಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ತೊಡಗಿಸಬಾರದು. ಇವೂ ಮೂಲಭೂತ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳು. (→ English: Fundamental Rights · हिन्दी: मूल अधिकार)

In exam EnglishThe Right against Exploitation is in Articles 23 and 24. Article 23 prohibits traffic in human beings, begar and other forms of forced labour, and applies against private persons too; the State may still impose compulsory service for public purposes, such as military service, without discrimination. Paying less than the minimum wage has been held to be forced labour. Article 24 bars children below 14 from factories, mines and other hazardous employment.

ಧಾರ್ಮಿಕ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯದ ಹಕ್ಕು ವಿಧಿ 25–28ರಲ್ಲಿದೆ; ಇದು ಭಾರತದ ಧರ್ಮನಿರಪೇಕ್ಷ ನಿಲುವನ್ನು ತೋರಿಸುತ್ತದೆ: ರಾಜ್ಯಧರ್ಮವಿಲ್ಲ, ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಧರ್ಮಗಳಿಗೂ ಸಮಾನ ಗೌರವ, ಸಮಾಜ ಸುಧಾರಣೆಗೆ ಅವಕಾಶ. 25: ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬರಿಗೂ ಆತ್ಮಸಾಕ್ಷಿಯ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ, ಧರ್ಮವನ್ನು ನಂಬುವ, ಆಚರಿಸುವ, ಪ್ರಚಾರ ಮಾಡುವ ಹಕ್ಕು — ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆ, ನೈತಿಕತೆ, ಆರೋಗ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಒಳಪಟ್ಟು; ಪ್ರಚಾರ ಎಂದರೆ ಇತರರನ್ನು ಮತಾಂತರಿಸುವ ಹಕ್ಕಲ್ಲ. 26: ಧಾರ್ಮಿಕ ಪಂಗಡಗಳು ತಮ್ಮ ವ್ಯವಹಾರ ಮತ್ತು ಆಸ್ತಿ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಬಹುದು. 27: ಒಂದು ಧರ್ಮಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ತೆರಿಗೆ ವಿಧಿಸುವಂತಿಲ್ಲ. 28: ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ನಿಧಿಯ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಧಾರ್ಮಿಕ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣವಿಲ್ಲ. (→ English: Secular · हिन्दी: पंथनिरपेक्ष)

In exam EnglishThe Right to Freedom of Religion is in Articles 25 to 28, and reflects India's Secular approach: no State religion, equal respect for all faiths, and room for social reform. Article 25 gives every person freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, health and the other Fundamental Rights; propagation does not include a right to convert others. Article 26 lets religious denominations manage their own religious affairs and property. Article 27 bars taxes to promote any particular religion, and Article 28 bars religious instruction in institutions wholly funded by the State.

ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಮತ್ತು ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳು ವಿಧಿ 29 ಮತ್ತು 30ರಲ್ಲಿವೆ. 29: ಸ್ವಂತ ಭಾಷೆ, ಲಿಪಿ, ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿ ಇರುವ ಯಾವುದೇ ನಾಗರಿಕ ವರ್ಗ ಅದನ್ನು ಕಾಪಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬಹುದು; ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಅಥವಾ ಅನುದಾನಿತ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಧರ್ಮ, ಜನಾಂಗ, ಜಾತಿ, ಭಾಷೆಯ ಕಾರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರವೇಶ ನಿರಾಕರಿಸುವಂತಿಲ್ಲ — ಇದು ಅಲ್ಪಸಂಖ್ಯಾತರಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರವಲ್ಲ. 30: ಧಾರ್ಮಿಕ ಮತ್ತು ಭಾಷಾ ಅಲ್ಪಸಂಖ್ಯಾತರು ತಮಗಿಷ್ಟದ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳನ್ನು ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಿ ನಡೆಸಬಹುದು. 'ಅಲ್ಪಸಂಖ್ಯಾತ'ಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂವಿಧಾನದ ವ್ಯಾಖ್ಯಾನವಿಲ್ಲ; ರಾಜ್ಯವಾರು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಸುಪ್ರೀಂ ಕೋರ್ಟ್ ಹೇಳಿದೆ (2002). (→ English: minorities · हिन्दी: अल्पसंख्यक वर्ग)

In exam EnglishThe Cultural and Educational Rights are in Articles 29 and 30. Article 29 lets any section of citizens with a distinct language, script or culture conserve it, and bars denial of admission to State or State-aided institutions on grounds only of religion, race, caste or language; it is not limited to minorities. Article 30 gives religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. The Constitution does not define 'minority'; the Supreme Court has said minorities are identified state by state (T.M.A. Pai, 2002).

ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳಿಗೆ ಪರಿಹಾರ ಬೇಕು. ಸರ್ವೋಚ್ಚ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗುವ ಹಕ್ಕು (ವಿಧಿ 32) ಸ್ವತಃ ಮೂಲಭೂತ ಹಕ್ಕು — ಅಂಬೇಡ್ಕರ್ ಇದನ್ನು 'ಸಂವಿಧಾನದ ಆತ್ಮ ಮತ್ತು ಹೃದಯ' ಎಂದರು. ಉಚ್ಚ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯಗಳು 226ರ ಅಡಿ ಮೂಲಭೂತ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರವಲ್ಲ 'ಇತರ ಉದ್ದೇಶಗಳಿಗೂ' ರಿಟ್ ಹೊರಡಿಸುತ್ತವೆ. ಐದು ರಿಟ್‌ಗಳು: ಹೇಬಿಯಸ್ ಕಾರ್ಪಸ್ (ಅಕ್ರಮ ಬಂಧನದಿಂದ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ), ಮ್ಯಾಂಡಮಸ್ (ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಯಿಂದ ಕರ್ತವ್ಯ ಮಾಡಿಸುವುದು), ಪ್ರೊಹಿಬಿಷನ್ (ಕೆಳ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯವನ್ನು ಮೊದಲೇ ತಡೆಯುವುದು), ಸರ್ಷಿಯೊರರಿ (ನೀಡಿದ ಆದೇಶ ರದ್ದು), ಕೋ ವಾರಂಟೋ (ಹುದ್ದೆಗೆ ಅರ್ಹತೆ ಕೇಳುವುದು). ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ಹಿತಾಸಕ್ತಿ ಮೊಕದ್ದಮೆಯ ಮೂಲಕ ಇತರರ ಪರವಾಗಿಯೂ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗಬಹುದು. (→ English: writ · हिन्दी: रिट)

In exam EnglishRights need remedies. Article 32, the right to move the Supreme Court, is itself a Fundamental Right; Ambedkar called it 'the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it'. High Courts issue writs under Article 226 for Fundamental Rights 'and for any other purpose', so their writ power is wider in scope. The five writs are habeas corpus (free an unlawfully detained person), mandamus (make a public authority do its duty), prohibition (stop a lower court before it exceeds its jurisdiction), certiorari (quash such a court's order after it is made) and quo warranto (test a person's right to hold a public office). Public interest litigation lets public-spirited people approach the courts for those who cannot.

ಕೊನೆಯದಾಗಿ, ಮಿತಿಗಳು. ಸೇನೆ, ಪೊಲೀಸ್, ಗುಪ್ತಚರ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳನ್ನು ಮಿತಿಗೊಳಿಸುವ ಅಧಿಕಾರ ಸಂಸತ್ತಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ (ವಿಧಿ 33). ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ತುರ್ತು ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಯಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರಪತಿ 359ರ ಅಡಿ ಕೆಲವು ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳ ಜಾರಿಯನ್ನು ಅಮಾನತುಗೊಳಿಸಬಹುದು — ಆದರೆ 20, 21 ಎಂದಿಗೂ ಇಲ್ಲ (44ನೇ ತಿದ್ದುಪಡಿ). ಸಂಸತ್ತು ಮೂಲಭೂತ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳನ್ನು ತಿದ್ದುಪಡಿ ಮಾಡಬಹುದು, ಆದರೆ ಕೇಶವಾನಂದ ಭಾರತಿ (1973) ನಂತರ ಸಂವಿಧಾನದ ಮೂಲ ರಚನೆ ಯನ್ನು ನಾಶ ಮಾಡುವಂತಿಲ್ಲ. ಆಸ್ತಿ ಹಕ್ಕನ್ನು 44ನೇ ತಿದ್ದುಪಡಿ (1978) ಮೂರನೇ ಭಾಗದಿಂದ ತೆಗೆಯಿತು; ಈಗ ಅದು 300Aರ ಅಡಿ ಕಾನೂನು ಹಕ್ಕು — ಉಚ್ಚ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೇಳಬಹುದು, 32ರ ಅಡಿ ಅಲ್ಲ. (→ English: Emergency · हिन्दी: आपात)

In exam EnglishFinally, the limits. Parliament alone can restrict the rights of the armed forces, police and intelligence services (Article 33). During a national Emergency, the President may suspend the enforcement of named rights under Article 359, but never Articles 20 and 21 (44th Amendment). Parliament can amend Fundamental Rights, but after Kesavananda Bharati (1973) it cannot destroy the basic structure of the Constitution. The right to property was removed from Part III by the 44th Amendment (1978) and is now a legal right under Article 300A, enforceable in the High Courts but not through Article 32.

Exam traps

Citizens-only rights: Articles 15, 16, 19, 29 and 30. Everything else covers foreigners too.
Article 19 has six freedoms, not seven; 19(1)(f) on property went with the 44th Amendment (1978).
Article 358 suspends only Article 19, automatically, and only for war or external aggression; Article 359 suspends enforcement by Presidential order, never of Articles 20 and 21.
Article 32 is itself a Fundamental Right; Article 226 is wider in scope but is not a Fundamental Right.
Habeas corpus lies against private persons; mandamus does not. Prohibition comes before a decision, certiorari after.
Articles 15(2), 17, 23 and 24 apply against private persons, not only the State.
Article 29 protects any section of citizens; Article 30 only religious and linguistic minorities.
Property is a legal right under Article 300A, not a Fundamental Right; Parliament cannot destroy the basic structure (Kesavananda Bharati, 1973).

Recap

Part III, Articles 12–35: justiciable, not absolute, mainly against the State (Article 12); laws violating them are void (Article 13).
Equality (14–18): equality before law; no discrimination; reservation with a 50% normal ceiling (Indra Sawhney 1992); untouchability and titles abolished.
Freedom (19–22): six freedoms with reasonable restrictions; Article 20 safeguards; Article 21 read widely since Maneka Gandhi (1978); 21A education; 22 arrest and detention.
Exploitation (23–24): no trafficking, begar or forced labour; no child below 14 in hazardous work.
Religion (25–28): conscience and religion for all persons; denominations' rights; no religious tax; no religious instruction in wholly State-funded institutions.
Culture and education (29–30): any section may conserve its culture; minorities may run their own institutions.
Remedies: Article 32 (Fundamental Right), Article 226 (wider); five writs; PIL.
Limits: Article 33 (forces), Article 359 (never 20 and 21), basic structure (Kesavananda 1973), property under Article 300A.

Practice questions

Q1. Which of the following Fundamental Rights are available only to citizens of India?
1. Article 14
2. Article 16
3. Article 19
4. Article 21
Select the correct answer using the code below.

1 and 4 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3 only
2, 3 and 4 only

Show answer

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Articles 16 and 19 are citizens-only. Articles 14 and 21 protect every person in India, including foreigners.

Q2. How many freedoms does Article 19(1) of the Constitution of India guarantee today?

Five
Six
Seven
Eight

Show answer

Answer: B. Six

Six. The original seventh freedom, to acquire, hold and dispose of property (19(1)(f)), was removed by the 44th Amendment (1978). Eight is the number of grounds for restricting speech in Article 19(2), a common distractor.

Q3. Which of the following Fundamental Rights can be enforced against private persons as well as the State?
1. Article 17 (abolition of untouchability)
2. Article 23 (prohibition of forced labour)
3. Article 24 (prohibition of child labour in hazardous work)
Select the correct answer using the code below.

1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

All three apply to private conduct: untouchability practised by anyone is an offence, a private employer can be guilty of forced labour, and a private factory cannot employ children below 14.

Q4. Which writ is issued to quash an order already passed by a lower court that acted without jurisdiction?

Prohibition
Certiorari
Mandamus
Quo warranto

Show answer

Answer: B. Certiorari

Certiorari quashes an order already made. Prohibition is issued earlier, while the case is pending; mandamus orders a public duty to be done; quo warranto tests the right to hold a public office.

Q5. Consider the following statements:
1. Article 358 suspends only Article 19, and only during an emergency declared on the ground of war or external aggression.
2. Under Article 359, the President can suspend the enforcement of Article 21.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Show answer

Answer: A. 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: since the 44th Amendment (1978), the enforcement of Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended under Article 359.

Q6. In which case did the Supreme Court hold that Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights, but cannot alter its basic structure?

Shankari Prasad v. Union of India (1951)
I.C. Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967)
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)

Show answer

Answer: C. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)

Kesavananda Bharati (1973) laid down the basic structure doctrine. Shankari Prasad allowed amendment without that limit, Golaknath barred amending Fundamental Rights, and Maneka Gandhi concerned Article 21.

Q7. Consider the following statements:
1. Article 29 protects only religious and linguistic minorities.
2. Article 30 gives minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Show answer

Answer: B. 2 only

Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is wrong: Article 29 protects any section of citizens with a distinct language, script or culture, not only minorities.

Q8. Which one of the following statements about the right to property is correct today?

It is a Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(f)
It is a Fundamental Right under Article 31
It is a legal right under Article 300A and cannot be enforced through Article 32
It is a Directive Principle of State Policy

Show answer

Answer: C. It is a legal right under Article 300A and cannot be enforced through Article 32

The 44th Amendment (1978) deleted Articles 19(1)(f) and 31 and created Article 300A. As it is no longer a Fundamental Right, Article 32 is not available. It is not a Directive Principle either.

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Sources

Constitution of India, Part III (Articles 12–35), Articles 300A, 358, 359 and 368 — https://legislative.gov.in/constitution-of-india/
Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951; (Twenty-fourth) 1971; (Forty-fourth) 1978; (Eighty-sixth) 2002 — https://www.indiacode.nic.in
Supreme Court of India: Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978); Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973); Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992); K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) — https://digiscr.sci.gov.in