Rights to Freedom


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Rights to Freedom

Right to Freedom: Freedom means absence of constraint (restrictions). In practical life, it means absence of interference in our affairs by others—be it other individuals or the government. Under the Indian Constitution, all citizens have the right to

  • • Freedom of speech and expression
  • • Assembly in a peaceful manner
  • • Form associations, unions and cooperative societies
  • • Move freely throughout the country
  • • Reside in any part of the country
  • • Practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.
  • One cannot exercise his freedom in such a manner that violates others’ Right to Freedom. A person is free to do everything which injures or harms no one else. Freedom is not unlimited license to do what one wants. The government can impose certain reasonable restrictions on our freedom in the larger interests of the society.

    Freedom of Speech and Expression: It is one of the essential features of any democracy. Even if a hundred people think in one way, you should have the freedom to think differently and express your views as you wish. You may express your views through pamphlets, magazines, newspapers, paintings, poetry or songs. However, you cannot use this freedom to stimulate violence against others and excite people to rebel against government. Neither can we use it to defame others by saying false and mean things that cause damage to a person’s reputation.

    Assembly in a Peaceful Manner/Form Associations: Citizens have the freedom to hold meetings, processions, rallies and demonstrations on any issue. But such meetings should be peaceful and people participating in these should not carry weapons. Citizens also can form associations to promote their interests.

    Freedom to Travel/Choice of Occupations: The citizen have the freedom to travel to any part of the country and are free to reside or settle in any part of the territory of India. This right allows lakhs of people to migrate from villages to towns and from poorer regions of the country to prosperous regions and big cities. The same freedom extends to choice of occupations. No one can force you to do or not do a certain job (especially women). Even people from deprived caste cannot be forced to keep their traditional occupations.

    Personal Liberty: The Constitution says that no person can be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. It means that no person can be killed unless the court has ordered a death sentence. It also means that a government or police officer cannot arrest or detain any citizen unless he has proper legal justification. Even when police arrests someone, they have to follow some procedures like

  • ·         A person who is arrested and detained in custody will have to be informed of the reasons for such arrest and detention.
  • ·         Such as person shall be produced before the nearest magistrate within a period of 24 hours of arrest.
  • ·         Such a person has the right to consult a lawyer or engage a lawyer for his own defence.
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