Fundamental Rights Notes for SSC Exams

Fundamental Rights are the basic rights of every citizen of India, given in Part III of the Constitution, from Article 12 to Article 35. This is the most important chapter of Indian Polity for SSC exams, and questions are asked on the Articles, the six rights, the writs and the amendments. These fundamental rights notes for SSC give every right with its Articles in simple tables, along with writs, duties and practice questions.

Basic Facts

Six Fundamental Rights

Six Freedoms under Article 19

• Freedom of speech and expression.
• Freedom to assemble peacefully without arms.
• Freedom to form associations, unions or cooperative societies.
• Freedom to move freely throughout India.
• Freedom to reside and settle in any part of India.
• Freedom to practise any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.

Important Articles to Remember

Writs

• The Supreme Court can issue writs under Article 32, and the High Courts can issue writs under Article 226.

Right to Property

The right to property was a fundamental right in the beginning. The 44th Amendment (1978) removed it from Part III and made it a legal right under Article 300A.

Fundamental Duties

• Fundamental duties are in Part IVA, Article 51A, and they were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on the advice of the Swaran Singh Committee.
• There were 10 duties in the beginning, and the 11th duty (to send children to school between 6 and 14 years) was added by the 86th Amendment (2002).
• Fundamental duties are not enforceable by courts.

Fundamental Rights and DPSP

Quick Tips

• Learn the Articles in groups: 14 to 18, 19 to 22, 23 to 24, 25 to 28, 29 to 30 and 32.
• Remember the Article numbers of the most important rights: 14, 17, 19, 21, 21A and 32.
• Do not mix the writs: Habeas Corpus is for illegal detention and Quo Warranto is for a public office.
• Remember that the fundamental duties are not enforceable.

Quick Revision Points

• Fundamental Rights are in Part III, Articles 12 to 35.
• There are six fundamental rights now.
• Article 21 protects life and personal liberty.
• Article 32 is the heart and soul of the Constitution.
• Right to property is now under Article 300A.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. In which Part of the Constitution are the fundamental rights given?
   Answer: Part III
2. Which Article abolishes untouchability?
   Answer: Article 17
3. Which Article gives the right to life and personal liberty?
   Answer: Article 21
4. Which Article gives the right to education to children from 6 to 14 years?
   Answer: Article 21A
5. Which writ is issued to free an illegally detained person?
   Answer: Habeas Corpus
6. Who called Article 32 the heart and soul of the Constitution?
   Answer: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
7. By which Amendment was the right to property removed from the fundamental rights?
   Answer: 44th Amendment (1978)
8. Which Article prohibits child labour below 14 years in dangerous work?
   Answer: Article 24
9. How many fundamental duties are there now?
   Answer: 11
10. Which writ asks "By what authority"?
    Answer: Quo Warranto

How to Practise This Chapter

Make a table of rights with their Articles and learn it in parts. Solve ten questions daily from our practice papers, the free SSC quizzes and the previous year papers page. Read the next chapter, Important Constitutional Amendments, and see all topics on the Indian Polity notes page. For the history of the Constitution, read the British Acts and Constitutional Development note.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are fundamental rights?

Fundamental rights are the basic rights of citizens given in Part III of the Constitution, which are protected by the courts.

How many fundamental rights are there in India?

There are six fundamental rights: equality, freedom, against exploitation, freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and constitutional remedies.

Which Articles contain the fundamental rights?

Articles 12 to 35 in Part III of the Constitution contain the fundamental rights.

What is the right to life under Article 21?

Article 21 says that no person shall be deprived of life or personal liberty except by procedure established by law.

Which Article gives the right to education?

Article 21A gives the right to free and compulsory education to children from 6 to 14 years. It was added by the 86th Amendment in 2002.

What is the right to constitutional remedies?

It is the right under Article 32 to go directly to the Supreme Court when a fundamental right is violated.

What are the five writs?

The five writs are Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari and Quo Warranto.

Is the right to property a fundamental right?

No. It was removed from the fundamental rights by the 44th Amendment in 1978 and is now a legal right under Article 300A.

What are fundamental duties?

Fundamental duties are the duties of citizens given in Article 51A. They were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 and are not enforceable by courts.

What is the difference between fundamental rights and DPSP?

Fundamental rights can be enforced by courts, while Directive Principles cannot be enforced but guide the government in making laws.

How can I remember the Articles of fundamental rights?

Learn them in six groups and revise a table of Article numbers and subjects every week.

How many questions come from fundamental rights in SSC exams?

Usually one or two questions come from fundamental rights in SSC General Awareness papers, but the number changes from year to year.