Notes For All Chapters – Civics Class 7
Fundamental Rights – Part II
1. Introduction
- In the previous chapter, we studied the fundamental rights of liberty, equality, and the right against exploitation.
- This chapter covers three more fundamental rights:
- Right to Freedom of Religion
- Cultural and Educational Rights
- Right to Constitutional Remedies
2. Right to Freedom of Religion
- India is a secular country, meaning it does not favor or promote any one religion.
- Every Indian citizen is free to practice, follow, and spread any religion of their choice.
- Citizens can also establish religious institutions for their beliefs.
Provisions Under This Right
The State cannot impose religious taxes
- No person can be forced to pay taxes for promoting a specific religion.
- This ensures that no religious group gets financial support from the government.
Religious education is not compulsory in government-aided institutions.
- Educational institutions receiving aid from the government cannot force students to study religious teachings.
3. Cultural and Educational Rights
- India is a culturally diverse country with many festivals, traditions, languages, and customs.
- The Constitution protects cultural uniqueness and promotes its preservation.
Provisions Under This Right
Citizens have the right to preserve and promote their:
- Language
- Script
- Literature
Communities can establish institutions to develop and promote their language and culture.
4. Right to Constitutional Remedies
- This right allows citizens to approach the courts if their fundamental rights are violated.
- The Constitution provides legal remedies to protect individuals from injustice.
What Happens If Rights Are Infringed?
- If any person’s rights are denied or violated, they can file a complaint in court.
- The court investigates the matter and gives a verdict if injustice has been done.
Examples of Rights Violation
- Arresting someone without a valid reason.
- Restricting a person from leaving a town or village.
- Refusing basic necessities like food, water, or medicine to jail inmates.
5. Writs – Legal Protection for Fundamental Rights
The courts have the power to issue writs to ensure that fundamental rights are protected.
| Type of Writ | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Habeas Corpus | Protection from unlawful arrest and detention. |
| Mandamus | The court orders the government to perform its duty. |
| Prohibition | Stops a subordinate court from exceeding its jurisdiction. |
| Quo Warranto | Prevents a person from illegally occupying a public office. |
| Certiorari | Transfers a case from a lower court to a higher court for review. |
6. Why Are We Free to Practice Certain Rights?
Freedom to Celebrate All Festivals
- Every citizen can celebrate any festival because the Constitution provides the Right to Freedom of Religion.
- No one can be forced to follow a particular religion.
Right to Preserve and Promote Language and Culture
- Citizens can work towards developing and preserving their language, script, and literature.
- They can also establish cultural and educational institutions to promote their heritage.
7. Important Fill in the Blanks
- We can approach the court in case of infringement of our rights.
- Religious education cannot be made compulsory in educational institutions that receive aid from the State.
8. Conclusion
- Fundamental Rights safeguard citizens from injustice and discrimination.
- The courts ensure that these rights are enforced and protected.
- Citizens should be aware of their rights and perform their duties responsibly.
Leave a Reply