Human Rights and Fundamental Rights

National Human Rights Commission

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established in 1993. Step 1: The Government of India passed legislation in 1993 to protect human rights more effectively. Step 2: NHRC was created under this law with powers of a civil court. Step 3: It can investigate human rights violations suo motu (on its own) or based on complaints. Step 4: The commission works alongside other institutions like National Commission for Women and Child Rights. The Supreme Court existed before 1993, Parliament is a legislative body, and Election Commission deals with elections, not specifically human rights.

Government treats all religions equally

Secular means the government treats all religions equally without favoritism. Step 1: The Preamble declares India as a secular nation. Step 2: This means the government has no official religion and remains neutral in religious matters. Step 3: All citizens can freely practice, profess, and propagate their religion. Step 4: The state cannot discriminate against anyone based on their religious beliefs. Option A is wrong because secularism means no favoritism. Option C is incorrect as religions are not banned but protected. Option D is wrong as all religions, not just the majority, are equally pr

Right to Constitutional Remedies

Right to Constitutional Remedies allows direct approach to higher courts for fundamental rights violations. Step 1: This right is called the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Step 2: Citizens can directly approach High Courts or Supreme Court without going through lower courts. Step 3: Courts can issue writs (directions) to government to protect constitutional rights. Step 4: This right also enables Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for group violations. Other rights like equality and freedom are protected, but Constitutional Remedies is the mechanism for enforcement.

Untouchability

Untouchability was specifically abolished by the Constitution and made punishable by law. Step 1: Article 17 explicitly abolishes untouchability in all its forms. Step 2: The practice of untouchability is declared an offense punishable with imprisonment. Step 3: The Protection of Civil Rights Act provides penalties for preventing anyone from entering places of worship or using public facilities. Step 4: This was done to ensure social equality and human dignity. While bonded labor, child marriage, and dowry are also social evils addressed by various laws, untouchability is the specific practice