Ls :Democratic rights
1. Which of these statements about the relationship between
democracy and rights is more valid? Give reasons for your
preference.
(a) Every country that is a democracy gives rights to its citizens.
(b) Every country that gives rights to its citizens is a democracy.
(c) Giving rights is good, but it is not necessary for a democracy.
Ans. (a) Every country that is a democracy gives rights to its citizens.
Reasons:
(i) Rights are necessary for the very existence of democracy.
(i) In a democracy, every citizen has the right to vote.
2. Are these restrictions on the Right to Freedom justified? Give
reasons for your answer.
(a) Indian citizens need permission to enter some border areas of
the country for reasons of security.
Ans. (a) It is justified. The security of the country is the first duty of a
government, and this cause can stop the people from visiting the
border areas.
(b) Outsiders are not allowed to buy property in some areas to
protect the interest of the local population.
Ans. (b) This action is also justified. The local population may not be
financially strong to protect its interests. Outsiders can take away
their rights in their own area, so such a step of the government is
correct.
(c) The government bans the publication of a book that can go
against the ruling party in the next elections.
Ans. (c) Not justified. The publication of a book can only be banned if
it disturbs the peace and hurts the sentiments of a section of people,
and not on grounds of protecting the ruling party's prospects in the
next election
3. Manoj went to a college to apply for admission into an MBA
course. The clerk refused to take his application and said "You, the
son of a sweeper, wish to be a manager! Has anyone done this job
in your community? Go to the municipality office and apply for a
sweeper's position". Which of Manoj's fundamental rights are
being violated in this instance
Ans. In Manoj's case, two fundamental rights are being violated.
(a) Right to Equality. Everyone is equal in the eyes of law. No one can
be denied admission on the grounds of his birth. The person is also
practising untouchability which is a punishable offence. His right to
opportunity is also being violated.
(b) Right to Freedom. Manoj has the right to apply for any job
anywhere as long as he is qualified for it. No one can force him to do
a certain job against his wishes.
4. When Madhurima went to the property registration office, the
Registrar told her, "You can't write your name as Madhurima
Banerjee d/o A.K. Banerjee. You are married, so you must give your
husband's name. Your husband's surname is Rao. So your name
should be changed to Madhurima Rao." She did not agree. She said
"If my husband's name has not changed after marriage, why should
mine?" In your opinion, who is right in this dispute? and why?
Ans. In this dispute, Madhurima's opinion is correct as Madhurima
has got all the right to retain her maiden name to ensure gender
equality. In a democratic country like India, every citizen enjoys right
to equality. Therefore, whether it is marital status or unmarried a girl
has all the right to retain her father's name.
[Link] are rights?
Ans. Rights are reasonable claims of a person recognised by society
and sanctioned by law.
[Link] the six fundamental rights provided by the Indian
Constitution to Indian citizens
Ans.
The fundamental rights are:
(a) Right to Equality
(b) Right to Freedom of Religion
(c) Right to Freedom
(d) Cultural and Educational Rights
(e) Right against Exploitation
(f) Right to Constitutional Remedies
7. What does 'rule of law' mean?
Ans. It means that no person is above the law and the laws apply to
all in the same manner regardless of a person's position, caste,
creed, religion or gender.