Category: LawPart of speech: phraseDifficulty: IntermediateRecommended for ★ UPSC

fundamental rights

/ˌfʌn.dəˈmen.t(ə)l raɪts/Roman

English meaning: Fundamental Rights

English Definition

(English)

Fundamental rights are inalienable rights enshrined in a constitution that the government cannot infringe. India's fundamental rights, inspired by the US Bill of Rights, are justiciable — citizens can approach the Supreme Court directly under Article 32 if these rights are violated.

English Definition

Basic civil liberties and rights guaranteed to all citizens by the constitution, enforceable against the state. India's Part III (Articles 12-35) guarantees six categories: equality, freedom, against exploitation, religion, culture/education, and constitutional remedies.

Example

The right to constitutional remedies (Article 32) is itself a fundamental right — Dr Ambedkar called it the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution.

In English: Article 32 guarantees the right to approach the Supreme Court to enforce fundamental rights.

Synonyms

  • civil liberties
  • basic rights
  • constitutional rights

Antonyms / Opposites

  • duties
  • obligations

Literary Heritage

The one great principle of the English law is to make business for itself.

The one great principle of the English law is to make business for itself.

Charles Dickens · Novelist · 19th century

Bleak House

Bleak House, Ch. 39, the Chancery satire, 1853

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