ssG D GOENKA PUBLIC SCHOOL, DWARKA

ASSIGNMENT: DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS

Question 1.
Write any four features of the Right to Equality as a Fundamental Right.
Answer:
 According to this law, the government shall not deny to any person in India equality before the
law or the equal protection of the laws.
 The government shall not discriminate against any citizen on the grounds of religion, caste,
ethnicity, sex or place of birth.
 All citizens shall have equality of opportunity in matters relating to any position in the
government.
 The principle of non-discrimination extends to social life as well.

Question 2.
Write a short note on the following fundamental rights:
(а) Right to Freedom of Religion.
(b) Cultural and Educational Rights.
Answer:
 Right to Freedom of Religion: Right to freedom of religion provides religious freedom to all the
citizens of India. All religions are equal before the state and no religion will be given preference
over the other. Citizens are free to practise their respective religions. Foremost objective of this
right is to sustain the principle of secularism in the country. No state-run institution can give
religious education. Religious communities can set up charitable institutions of their own.

 Cultural and Educational Rights: India is multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-cultural, each
having its own identity and characteristics. To preserve these diversities, it is natural to grant the
following Cultural and Educational Rights to the minorities and other communities.

 Right to Conserve the Language, Script and Culture Under this Right minorities have the right to
conserve their distinct language, script or culture and to join state-owned or state-aided
institutions without discrimination.
 Right to Establish Educational Institutions: Under this each minority group has a right to establish
and administer educational institutions of its choice. The State shall not discriminate between
minorities, while granting aid to their educational institutions.

Question 3.
“Right to Constitutional Remedies is a very special right”. What is so special about this right?
Or
Dr Ambedkar called the Right to Constitutional Remedies, “the heart and soul of our constitution”.
Give reason.
Answer:
 It is through this Right that all other Fundamental Rights are safeguarded and arbitrary action of
the state is checked.
 Under this Right, a citizen is entitled to move the Supreme Court or any High Court or any other
courts so authorised, if his/ her Fundamental Right (or Rights) is encroached upon, abridged or
snatched away by the State, an individual or a body of persons.
 The courts are empowered to issue orders, directions and writs to the concerned to protect the
rights of the complainant.
Question 4.
Mention three major Constitutional provisions for the protection of women and children in India.
Or
Write three Constitutional provisions for the protection of women and children in India. [CBSE
March 2011]
Answer:
 The Right to Equality: Under this the State can make special provisions for women and children.
 Right Against Exploitation: Under this traffic in human beings, especially women and children,
shall be an offence punishable in accordance with the law.
 Right Against Exploita-tion: Under this no child below the age of 14 years shall be employed to
work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment.

Question 5.
Mention the restrictions that can be imposed on various forms of freedoms granted by the
Constitution.
Answer:
 Freedom of speech and expression — reasonable restrictions can be imposed on this freedom.
 Restriction on freedom to hold meetings, processions, rallies and demonstrations and
reasonable restriction in the interest of public order.
 Restrictions on freedom to form associations and unions in the interest of public order, morality
of sovereignty or integrity of India.

Question 6.
Why do we need rights in a democracy?
Answer:
 Fundamental Rights provide the conditions which are essential for the development of the
inherent qualities in man and to secure his all round growth.
 These are necessary to preserve human dignity and promote social progress in an atmosphere of
freedom.
 These provide civil liberties, without which democracy cannot be even conceived.
 These are a significant check on the arbitrary use of power by the government.
 Rights protect minorities from the oppression of majority.

Question 7.
“Saudi Arabia is not a democratic country”. Justify. Mention any two rights which are enjoyed by
the Indian citizens but not by citizens of Saudi Arabia.
Or
Compare the situation of India and Saudi Arabia in terms of right to freedom in both the countries.
Answer:
 The country is ruled by a hereditary king and the people: have no role in electing or changing
 their rulers.
 The king selects the legislature as well as the executive. He appoints the judges and can change
any of their decisions.
 Citizens cannot form political parties or any political organisations.
Rights enjoyed by Indians but not by Saudi Arabians-
 There is no freedom of religion. Every citizen is required to be Muslim. Non-Muslim residents can
follow their religion in private, but not in public.
 Women are subjected to many public restrictions. The testimony of one man is considered equal
to that of two women.