Concepts

Fundamental Rights

CAPF wiki1 min read6 sections
At a glance
SubjectPolity

Definition

The six categories of justiciable rights in Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12 to 35) that are enforceable against the State and protect basic civil liberties.

Key points

  • Six categories: Equality (14 to 18), Freedom (19 to 22), against Exploitation (23 to 24), Freedom of Religion (25 to 28), Cultural and Educational (29 to 30), Constitutional Remedies (32).
  • Enforceable against the "State" (Art 12), not private individuals; void laws under Art 13.
  • Article 32 (Supreme Court writs) is the "heart and soul"; Article 226 gives wider High Court power.
  • Not absolute: subject to reasonable restrictions; Art 33 lets Parliament restrict them for armed and public-order forces.
  • Right to Property removed from Part III by the 44th Amendment, 1978 (now Art 300A).

Why it matters for CAPF

Article 33 directly concerns the CAPFs, and the rights-versus-security balance is the dimension CAPF tests most. Expect Article-to-right matching and statement-based questions.

Common confusion

Fundamental Rights (Part III, justiciable) versus Directive Principles (Part IV, non-justiciable); rights apply against the State, not private parties.

One-line recall

Six justiciable rights in Part III (Art 12 to 35), enforceable via Art 32 and 226.

Parent note

fundamental rights

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