Page 2 - 5.3 Lesson Note

You cannot exercise your freedom in such a manner that violates others’ right to freedom.

4) Right Against Exploitation

Every citizen has a right not to be exploited. The Constitution has clear provisions to prevent
exploitation of the weaker sections of the society. The Constitution mentions 3 specific evils as
mentioned below and declares them illegal.

1. The Constitution prohibits ‘traffic in human beings’. Traffic means selling and buying of human

beings, usually women, for immoral purposes.
2. Our Constitution prohibits forced labour or begar in any form. Begar is a practice where the
worker is forced to render service to the ‘master’ free of charge or at a nominal remuneration.

When this practice takes place on a life-long basis, it is called the practice of bonded labour.
3. The Constitution prohibits child labour. Under this, no one can employ a child below the age of
14 to work in any factory or mine or in any other hazardous work, such as railways and ports.

5) Right to Freedom of Religion

Every person has a right to profess, practice and propagate the religion he or she believes in. India is
a secular state which means India does not establish any one religion as the official religion. Freedom
to practice religion does not mean that a person can do whatever he wants in the name of religion.
For example, one cannot sacrifice animals or human beings as offerings to supernatural forces or
gods.

6) Cultural and Educational Rights

Indian Constitution specifies the cultural and educational rights of the minorities:

1. Any section of citizens with a distinct language or culture has a right to conserve it.
2. Admission to any educational institution maintained by the government or receiving
government aid cannot be denied to any citizen on the grounds of religion or language.
3. All minorities have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

How can we secure these Rights?

Right to Constitutional Remedies makes the other 5 Fundamental Rights effective. When any of our
rights are violated we can seek remedy through courts. That is why Dr. Ambedkar called the Right to
Constitutional Remedies, ‘the heart and soul’ of our Constitution.

1. Fundamental Rights are guaranteed against the actions of the Legislatures, the Executive, and
any other authorities instituted by the government.
2. There can be no law or action that violates the Fundamental Rights.
3. If any act of the Legislature or the Executive takes away or limits any of the Fundamental
Rights it will be invalid.