Fundamental Rights

 Fundamental rights are a group of rights that have been recognized by a high degree of protection from encroachment. These rights are specifically identified in a Constitution or have been found under Due Process of law. There are however instances of violation of these rights over the world with the United Nations estimating a total of 357 killings and 30 forced disappearances of human rights defenders, journalists, and trade unionists in 47 countries in 2019. The Sustainable Development Goal 16 underscores the link between promoting human rights which is an integral part of the 2030 Agenda and sustaining peace.

There are seven main fundamental rights of India:

• right to equality
• right to freedom, which includes freedom of speech and expression, right to assemble peacefully, freedom to form associations or unions, right to move freely throughout the territory of India, right to reside or settle in any part of the territory of India, right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation.
• right to freedom of religion
• right against exploitation
• cultural and educational rights
• right to constitutional remedies
• right to vote(but above 18 years)

A newly implemented eighth fundamental right is:

• right to education

This right was added to the constitution after the 86th amendment in the year 2002 under article 21A. It is the most recently implemented fundamental right. The RTE Act enabled this right in the year 2010.

A recent addition was made to the list of fundamental rights in India in 2017.

• right to privacy.