Indian Polity is a significant scoring section in the General Knowledge paper of the CDS (Combined Defence Services) 2 2025 examination. Among its most crucial topics are the Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Indian Constitution. A thorough understanding of these concepts, their articles, and their implications is essential for aspirants.
1. Fundamental Rights (Part III of the Indian Constitution, Articles 12-35):
These are the basic human rights guaranteed to all citizens of India. They are justiciable, meaning they can be enforced by courts.
- Right to Equality (Articles 14-18):
- Equality before law.
- Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
- Equality of opportunity in public employment.
- Abolition of untouchability and titles.
- Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22):
- Article 19: Protection of six rights regarding freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession.
- Protection in respect of conviction for offences.
- Protection of life and personal liberty.
- Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases.
- Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24):
- Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labor.
- Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc.
- Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28):
- Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion.
- Freedom to manage religious affairs.
- Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions.
- Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30):
- Protection of interests of minorities (language, script, culture).
- Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
- Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32):
- This right allows citizens to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. It is considered the “heart and soul” of the Constitution by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
- The Supreme Court can issue various writs: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo-Warranto.
Key Points on Fundamental Rights:
- They are not absolute and are subject to reasonable restrictions.
- They can be suspended during a National Emergency (except Articles 20 and 21).
- They are borrowed from the US Bill of Rights.
2. Fundamental Duties (Part IVA of the Indian Constitution, Article 51A):
These were added by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 (on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee). They are a set of 11 duties for citizens, emphasizing their responsibilities towards the nation. They are non-justiciable.
- Key Duties Include:
- To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
- To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
- To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
- To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
- To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India.
- To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
- To protect and improve the natural environment.
- To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
- To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
- To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
- To provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years (added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002).
Preparation Tips:
- Memorize Key Articles: Especially for Right to Freedom and Right to Constitutional Remedies.
- Understand the Purpose: Know why these rights and duties are important for a democratic society.
- Differentiate between Rights and Duties: Understand their nature (justiciable vs. non-justiciable).
- Stay Updated: Be aware of any recent judicial pronouncements related to Fundamental Rights.
A thorough understanding of these constitutional provisions will benefit the CDS 2 2025 General Knowledge paper.
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