Establish the inter-relationship between Human Rights and provisions of Indian Constitution.
The inter-relationship between Human Rights and the provisions of the Indian Constitution is integral, as the Constitution embodies principles that protect and promote human rights, ensuring dignity, liberty, and equality for all citizens. Here is a pointwise explanation of how human rights are interlinked with the Indian Constitution:
1. Fundamental Rights as Human Rights
- Articles 12-35 (Part III of the Constitution): Fundamental Rights provide the core framework for protecting human rights.
- Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Guarantees equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination, and abolition of untouchability.
- Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22): Includes freedom of speech, expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and protection of life and personal liberty.
- Right Against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Prohibits human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor in hazardous industries.
- Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28): Ensures religious freedom, allowing individuals to practice, profess, and propagate their faith.
- Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30): Protect the rights of minorities to preserve their culture, language, and establish educational institutions.
- Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Empowers individuals to move the Supreme Court to enforce Fundamental Rights.
2. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) as Human Rights
- Articles 36-51 (Part IV): The DPSPs promote socio-economic rights and serve as guidelines for the state to achieve justice and welfare.
- Right to adequate means of livelihood (Article 39).
- Equal pay for equal work (Article 39(d)).
- Right to education and public health (Articles 41, 45, and 47).
- Protection of the environment (Article 48A).
3. Fundamental Duties
- Article 51A (Part IVA): Fundamental Duties promote human rights by encouraging citizens to respect others' rights and work towards a harmonious society.
- Duty to promote harmony and the spirit of brotherhood.
- Duty to protect the environment and public property.
4. Protection of Vulnerable Groups
- Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes:
- The Constitution provides special provisions to uplift marginalized communities and eliminate discrimination (Articles 15(4), 15(5), 16(4), 46).
- Children and Women:
- Provisions for free and compulsory education for children (Article 21A) and maternity benefits (Article 42).
- Religious and Linguistic Minorities:
- Cultural rights (Articles 29-30) safeguard the identity of minorities.
5. Right to Life and Expanding Scope
- Article 21: The right to life and personal liberty is the cornerstone of human rights in India. Through judicial interpretation, its scope has expanded to include:
- Right to privacy (K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India).
- Right to a clean environment.
- Right to health and medical care (Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity v. State of West Bengal).
- Right to shelter and livelihood (Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation).
6. Remedies for Human Rights Violations
- Article 32 and Article 226:
- The right to constitutional remedies empowers individuals to seek enforcement of human rights in case of violations.
- High Courts and the Supreme Court can issue writs like habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari.
7. National Human Rights Framework
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):
- Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC aligns with constitutional values to monitor and protect human rights.
8. International Human Rights Obligations
- The Constitution reflects India's commitment to international human rights treaties such as:
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Fundamental Rights align with many principles of the UDHR.
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Rights under Articles 14-22 mirror many ICCPR guarantees.
- International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR): DPSPs reflect ICESCR principles.
Summary :
The Indian Constitution is a comprehensive document that integrates human rights principles into its framework, ensuring their protection through Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, and remedies. It aligns with international human rights standards, reflecting India's commitment to upholding the dignity, equality, and liberty of its people.
- Textbook on Human Rights Law and Practice by Rashee Jain
- International Law & Human Rights by Dr. H.O. Agarwal
- Human Rights by Michael Freeman
- International Human Rights Law by David Harris
- A philosophical Introduction to Human Rights by Thomas Mertens
- Human Rights Law by Howard Davis
- Human Rights A Very Short Introduction by Andrew Clapham
Comments
Post a Comment