Fundamental Rights are the cornerstone of the Indian Constitution, ensuring essential freedoms and protections for all citizens. These rights, enshrined in Part III of the Constitution, safeguard individual liberty, equality, and justice.
Understanding these rights is crucial for anyone studying Indian polity. In this article, we present a series of General Knowledge multiple-choice questions (MCQs) focused on Fundamental Rights. These questions aim to help you strengthen your knowledge of the key constitutional provisions that protect the rights of Indian citizens.
1. Which of the following is NOT a correct statement with respect to Freedom of speech and expression in India?
- It is enshrined in Part III of the Constitution
- It is not an absolute right to express one’s thoughts freely
- It cannot be curtailed by legislation
- It can be suspended in an emergency
Show Answer
Answer: It cannot be curtailed by legislation
During a national emergency in India, which can be declared under Article 352, certain fundamental rights are automatically suspended. The President can suspend all fundamental rights except for Article 20 (protection in respect of conviction for offenses) and Article 21 (protection of life and personal liberty). Such suspension requires parliamentary approval. This ensures that in times of emergency, the state has the authority to take necessary actions for the security and well-being of the nation, even if it involves temporary curtailment of certain rights.
2. Which among the following authorities decides how far the fundamental rights can apply to the members of the armed forces in India?
- President of India
- Parliament of India
- Armed Forces themselves
- Arms Forces Tribunal
Show Answer
Answer: Parliament of India
To decide how far the fundamental rights can apply to the members of the armed forces in India is the prerogative of Parliament under Article 33 & 34. These articles empower Parliament to restrict, modify, or abrogate the fundamental rights of the members of armed forces, paramilitary forces, police forces, members of intelligence agencies, or similar services.
3. Which among the following articles of the Constitution of India says that all public places are open to all citizens?
- Article 15(2)
- Article 16(2)
- Article 17
- Article 18
Show Answer
Answer: Article 15(2)
Article 15(2) says that all public places are open to all citizens without any discrimination. Article 16(2) states that no citizen shall, on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, residence, or any of them, be ineligible for, or discriminated against in respect of, any employment or office under the State.
4. The Supreme Court has made Right to Free Education as part of which among the following rights?
- Right to life
- Right against Exploitation
- Right to freedom of speech and expression
- Cultural and Educational Rights
Show Answer
Answer: Right to life
As per Supreme Court judgments, the “right to education” flows from the “enforceable right to life and personal liberty” guaranteed by the Constitution under Article 21. This is because there cannot be a dignified life or realization of other rights of the person if he/she has no adequate education.
5. The Mandal Commission was constituted during the tenure of which among the following prime ministers?
- Indira Gandhi
- Morarji Desai
- Rajiv Gandhi
- VP Singh
Show Answer
Answer: Morarji Desai
On 20 December 1978, India’s Prime Minister, Morarji Desai of the Janata Party, announced the formation of a second Backward Classes Commission whose chairman was B. P. Mandal, a former member of Parliament. On 31 December 1980, the Mandal Commission submitted its report, recommending ways to advance India’s “socially and educationally backward classes.” On 7 August 1990, Prime Minister V. P. Singh announced in Parliament that his government would implement the Mandal Commission’s recommendations.
6. Which among the following articles of the Constitution of India abolishes untouchability?
- Article 15
- Article 16
- Article 17
- Article 18
Show Answer
Answer: Article 17
Abolition of untouchability has been included among fundamental rights under Article 17. This is one of the few fundamental rights available against individuals. To make untouchability law further strong, Parliament passed the Untouchability (Offences) Act in 1955, which came into force on 1st June 1955. This act was further amended and renamed in 1976 as the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.
7. How many freedoms are guaranteed by Article 19 (Right to Freedom)?
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Show Answer
Answer: 6
Article 19 is the most important and key article that embodies the “basic freedoms.” Article 19(1) provides that all citizens shall have the right to: 1. Freedom of speech and expression 2. To assemble peaceably and without arms 3. To form associations or unions 4. To move freely throughout the territory of India 5. To reside and settle in any part of the territory of India 6. To practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade, or business
8. Which article of the Indian Constitution provides the right to constitutional remedies, allowing Indian citizens to stand up for their rights against anybody – even the government of India?
- Article 31
- Article 32
- Article 33
- Article 34
Show Answer
Answer: Article 32
Article 32 and Article 226 of the Indian Constitution empower the Supreme Court and High Courts, respectively, with the right to issue writs for the protection of fundamental rights. These writs include habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari. This means that any person whose fundamental rights are violated or under threat can approach the Supreme Court or High Court for remedies such as ordering the release of a person illegally detained (habeas corpus), compelling a public official or body to perform a legal duty (mandamus), prohibiting a person or body from doing something they don’t have the authority for (prohibition), questioning the authority of a person to hold a public office (quo warranto), or reviewing the decision of a lower court or tribunal (certiorari). These writs are essential tools for protecting and enforcing fundamental rights in India
9. Which among the following don’t come under the purview of Right to Education?
- Government Schools
- Private Schools
- Madrasas
- Government schools funded by Private Funds
Show Answer
Answer: Madrasas
Madarsas and Vedic Pathshalas, which are educational institutions with a religious or cultural focus, have been excluded from the purview of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (commonly known as the Right to Education Act). This exclusion recognizes the specialized nature of these institutions, which primarily provide religious or traditional education.
10. Which among the following articles helped the Madarsas in India to remain out of the purview of the Right to Education Act?
- Article 26
- Article 27
- Article 28
- Article 30
Show Answer
Answer: Article 30
Article 30 of the Indian Constitution is often referred to as the Charter of Education Rights. It guarantees certain educational rights to religious and linguistic minorities. Article 30 mandates that all minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. This means that minority communities can establish and manage schools that promote their language and culture, and they can also seek government grant-in-aid without discrimination. It ensures that the cultural and educational rights of minorities are protected and promoted.
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