Q. Which one of the following statements is correct?

  • Rights are claims of the State against the citizens.
  • Rights are privileges which are incorporated in the Constitution of a State.
  • Rights are claims of the citizens against the State.
  • Rights are privileges of a few citizens against the many.

Answer: (c) Rights are claims of the citizens against the State.

Notes:
  • Rights are claimed by the citizens against the state has to protect the citizens from oppression by society.
  • The state cannot claim or demand against the citizens, because it takes away the rights of individuals and restraint them.
  • The constitution has no concept of special privileges which will create inequality in the society.
  • As per article 18, except for military and academic distinctions, no other citizens have titular privileges.
What are Rights?
  • A right is essentially an entitlement or a justified claim. It denotes what we are entitled to as citizens, as individuals and as human beings. It is something that we consider to be due to us; something that the rest of society must recognise as being a legitimate claim that must be upheld.
  • Rights are primarily those claims that I along with others regard to be necessary for leading a life of respect and dignity. In fact, one of the grounds on which rights have been claimed is that they represent conditions that we collectively see as a source of selfrespect and dignity.
  • In simple language, Rights are the claim of a citizen which the society recognizes to be necessary for his upliftment and the welfare of all, and is enforced by the power of the state.

Civil Rights:

  • These rights are essential for a free and progressive life. They concern the life and property of the individual. Without these rights civilized life is impossible.
    • Right to life
    • Right to property
    • Right to work
    • Right to contract
    • Right to free movement
    • Right to free expression
    • Right to worship
    • Right to language and culture

Political Rights

  • Political rights are bestowed upon the citizenry to participate in the political arena of life i.e.
    • Right to vote
    • Right to be elected
    • Right to Public Office
    • Right to petition
    • Right to criticize and discuss the government
    • Right to receive protection while staying abroad