Article 12 – Definition of the State

Quick Reference: What counts as “State”

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires, the State includes the Government and Parliament of India and the Government and the Legislature of each of the States.

Article 13 – Laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights

Quick Reference: Striking down laws against FR

All laws in force before the commencement of the Constitution which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Part shall be void to the extent of such inconsistency.

Article 14 – Right to Equality

Quick Reference: Equality before law

The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.

Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination

Quick Reference: No discrimination on religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth

The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.

Article 16 – Equality of opportunity in public employment

Quick Reference: Fair employment opportunities

No citizen shall be discriminated against in respect of any employment or office under the State on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, residence, or any of them.

Article 17 – Abolition of Untouchability

Quick Reference: Untouchability abolished

“Untouchability” is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. Enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability is an offense punishable by law.

Article 18 – Abolition of titles

Quick Reference: No titles except military or academic

No title, not being a military or academic distinction, shall be conferred by the State.

Article 19 – Protection of certain rights regarding freedom

Quick Reference: Freedom of speech, assembly, association, movement, residence, profession

All citizens shall have the right—(a) to freedom of speech and expression; (b) to assemble peaceably and without arms; (c) to form associations or unions; (d) to move freely throughout the territory of India; (e) to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India; and (f) to practice any profession, trade, or business.

Article 20 – Protection in respect of conviction for offenses

Quick Reference: No ex-post-facto laws, double jeopardy

No person shall be convicted of any offense except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act, and no person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offense more than once.

Article 21 – Protection of life and personal liberty

Quick Reference: Right to life and personal liberty

No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.

Article 22 – Protection in respect of arrest and detention

Quick Reference: Rights of arrested persons

No person who is arrested shall be detained without informing reasons, and no preventive detention shall exceed the maximum period prescribed by law.

Article 23 – Prohibition of traffic in human beings

Quick Reference: No human trafficking, forced labor

Traffic in human beings and forced labor is prohibited and is punishable by law.

Article 24 – Prohibition of child labor

Quick Reference: No child labor under 14 in factories

No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any hazardous employment.

Article 25 – Freedom of religion

Quick Reference: Freedom of conscience, religion

All persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion.

Article 26 – Freedom to manage religious affairs

Quick Reference: Religious management rights

Every religious denomination has the right to manage its own affairs in matters of religion, own and acquire property, and administer it according to law.

Article 27 – Freedom from taxes for religion

Quick Reference: No tax for religion

No person shall be compelled to pay any taxes for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion.

Article 28 – Freedom from religious instruction in certain educational institutions

Quick Reference: No religious instruction in state schools

No religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained by the State.

Article 29 – Protection of interests of minorities

Quick Reference: Rights of minorities to preserve culture

Any section of citizens with a distinct language, script, or culture has the right to conserve it.

Article 30 – Rights of minorities to establish educational institutions

Quick Reference: Minority education rights

Minority communities have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

Article 31 – Right to property (repealed)

Quick Reference: Property rights (now under Article 300A)

The right to property as a fundamental right was repealed; now it is a legal right under Article 300A.

Article 32 – Right to constitutional remedies

Quick Reference: Enforce FRs in court

The right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights including writs like habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari.

Article 33 – Power of Parliament to modify FRs for armed forces etc.

Quick Reference: FRs can be restricted for military, police, public servants

Parliament may restrict or abrogate fundamental rights in their application to forces, police, or public servants to ensure discipline and efficiency.

Article 34 – Restriction on rights in emergencies

Quick Reference: Parliament can restrict FRs during emergencies

Parliament may indemnify persons for acts done during an emergency and restrict the rights under this Part as necessary.

Article 35 – Legislation to give effect to FRs

Quick Reference: Laws to implement FRs

Parliament has the power to make laws necessary to give effect to the fundamental rights.