Fundamental
Rights & Duties

Art 14: Equality before law and equal protection of laws.
Art 15: Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
Art 16: Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
Art 17: Abolition of untouchability and prohibition of its practice.
Art 18: Abolition of titles except military and academic.

Art 19: Protection of six rights regarding freedom of: (i) speech and expression, (ii) assembly, (iii) association, (iv) movement, (v) residence, and (vi) profession.
Art 20: Protection in respect of conviction for offences.
Art 21: Protection of life and personal liberty.
Art 21A: Right to elementary education.
Art 22: Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases.

Art 23: Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour.
Art 24: Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc.

Art 25: Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.
Art 26: Freedom to manage religious affairs.
Art 27: Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion.
Art 28: Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions.

Art 29: Protection of language, script and culture of minorities.
Art 30: Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.

Art 32: Right to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights including the writs of (i) habeas corpus, (ii) mandamus, (iii) prohibition, (iv) certiorari, and (v) quo warranto.

Originally 10 duties were added on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee. The 11th duty was added by the 86th Amendment in 2002. 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.
• To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture.
• To protect and improve the natural environment.
• To develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
• To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
• (11th Duty): To provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.