Page 187 - SST Class 08

prohibits any discrimination between citizens on
grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of
birth or any of them. All citizens have equal
access to shops, public entertainments and places
of public resort, which are maintained wholly or
partly by the state.
A departmental store
However, special provisions may be made in
respect of women, children, socially and
educationally backward classes, and scheduled
castes and scheduled tribes. The Constitution
guarantees equal opportunities relating to public
employment to all citizens, but some posts may
be reserved for backward classes.
It abolishes untouchability and has made it a
punishable offence. Also it abolishes the system of
conferring titles by the state, except military and
academic distinctions.
Right to Freedom
Article 19 deals with the right to freedom. The
freedoms included under this are :
(a) Freedom of speech and expression.
(b) Freedom to assemble peaceably and without
arms.
(c) Freedom to form associations or unions.
(d) Freedom to move freely throughout the
territory of India.
(e) Freedom to reside and settle in any part of the
territory of India.
(f) Freedom to practise any profession, or to carry
on any occupation, trade or business.
The freedoms mentioned in this article are
essential for a democratic set up. In fact, these
freedoms form the basis on which it can be
decided whether a society is democratic or not.
However, these freedoms are not absolute. For
example, we enjoy the right to speech and
expression, but it never means that we shall use
foul language against anybody. We can assemble
peaceably and not for committing violence. We
can form associations for the well-being of the
members, and not for threatening some people.
We can move freely throughout the territory of
India or settle in any part of India, but we cannot
capture anybody’s property. Similarly, any
occupation, trade or business can be started by
anybody, but it should be legal and should not put
life and security at risk.
An important provision in Article 20 is that no
person can be tried and punished for the same
offence twice and that no person can be
compelled to be a witness against himself. Article
21 says that no person can be deprived of his life
or liberty without due process of law. Article 22
states that if a person is arrested, he will be
produced before the magistrate within 24 hours.
Also, he has to be informed of the cause of his
arrest. The arrested person has the right to consult
and appoint a lawyer of his choice for his defence.
Thus, we see that these freedoms are helpful to
enable us lead a dignified life.
Right Against Exploitation
The Right against Exploitation has been given in
Articles 23 and 24. Some sections of the society
are vulnerable to exploitation, such as women,
children and downtrodden people. This right has
been included in the Constitution of India in order
to provide protection to them. Article 23 prohibits
traffic in human beings and begar or any other
form of forced
labour. At the time
of independence,
there were many
people who were
being made to work
on the landlord’s
fields for no or little
wages. This article
protects them. Children working in
beedi factory
Fundamental Rights and Duties
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