Rights In The Indian Constitution Class 9 – Concept, MCQ’s & Notes PDF

Topic covered: Rights In The Indian Constitution class 9 notes and MCQs Questions: Democratic Rights (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 9th about the “Rights In The Indian Constitution“ from the NCERT Political Science (Civics) notes for class 9th chapter 5 Democratic Rights.

Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 9th Chapter 5 Democratic Rights Notes PDF

Chapter 5: Democratic Rights in Class 9 Political Science focuses on one of the most important ideas in civics – our fundamental rights. It explains what rights citizens have, why they matter, and how they protect people from misuse of power. The chapter also includes real examples like the Right to Equality and the Right to Freedom to make the concepts easy to remember. These notes simplify each topic so you can revise quickly before exams. Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 9th Chapter 5 Democratic Rights Notes PDF to strengthen your understanding and write better answers in tests.

Rights In The Indian Constitution

1. Rights mentioned in the Constitution:

• In India, like many other democracies, citizens’ rights are clearly mentioned in the Constitution.

2. Fundamental Rights:

• Some rights that are essential for our life are given special importance and are called Fundamental Rights.

3. Connection with the Preamble:

• The Preamble of the Indian Constitution promises equality, liberty, and justice for all citizens.
• Fundamental Rights help to make these promises real and effective.

4. Basic feature of the Constitution:

• Fundamental Rights form an important basic feature of the Indian Constitution.

5. Six Fundamental Rights:

• The Constitution provides six Fundamental Rights to the citizens of India.

6. Importance for citizens:

• These rights explain what freedoms and protections an ordinary citizen enjoys in a democratic country like India.

Right to Equality

1. Meaning of Right to Equality:

• The Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to every person in India.
• This means laws apply equally to all, regardless of a person’s social or political status.

2. Rule of Law:

• The Rule of Law is the foundation of democracy.
• It means no one is above the law – not even political leaders or government officials.
• Every citizen, from the Prime Minister to a small farmer, is subject to the same laws.

3. Example of Equality Before Law:

• A former Prime Minister once faced a court case for cheating.
• Despite his position, he had to appear in court and follow the same legal process as any citizen.

4. No Discrimination by Government:

• The government cannot discriminate against citizens on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

5. Equal Access to Public Places:

• Every citizen has the right to use public places like shops, hotels, restaurants, cinema halls, wells, tanks, roads, bathing ghats, and playgrounds.
• This was essential because traditional caste practices once restricted lower castes from such access.

6. Equality in Employment:

• All citizens have equality of opportunity in government employment.
• No one can be denied a government job on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

7. Reservations and Equality:

• Reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), as well as schemes for women, the poor, and the physically handicapped, do not violate the Right to Equality.
• True equality means equal opportunity – sometimes requiring special treatment for disadvantaged groups.
• The Constitution clearly states such reservations are not against equality.

8. End of Untouchability:

• The Constitution bans untouchability in any form.
• Untouchability includes any social practice that humiliates or excludes people based on caste.
• It denies equal social interaction and access to public places.
• The practice of untouchability is declared a punishable offence.

9. Broader Meaning of Equality:

• Equality is not about identical treatment but about fairness and equal opportunity.
• Special measures are sometimes necessary to ensure true equality among citizens.

Note: Many Forms of Untouchability

• Reporting on Untouchability: In 1999, journalist P. Sainath wrote a series of reports in The Hindu about the ongoing practice of untouchability and caste discrimination against Dalits (Scheduled Castes) in India.
• Field Observations: P. Sainath travelled to different parts of the country and found that untouchability was still widely practiced in many areas.
• Forms of Discrimination Found:
  • Separate Cups at Tea Stalls: Tea shops used two sets of cups – one for Dalits and another for others.
  • Denial of Services: Barbers refused to serve Dalit customers.
  • Segregation in Schools: Dalit students were made to sit separately in classrooms and drink water from separate pitchers.
  • Marriage Restrictions: Dalit grooms were not allowed to ride a horse during wedding processions.
  • Public Water Sources: Dalits were denied access to common handpumps; if they used one, it was washed afterward to “purify” it.
• Meaning of These Acts: All these practices come under the definition of untouchability, which is banned by the Indian Constitution.
• Reflection Point: The paragraph ends with a question urging students to think of similar examples from their own surroundings to understand how discrimination still exists in society.

Right to Freedom

1. Meaning of Freedom:

• Freedom means absence of constraints or interference in an individual’s life.
• In practical terms, it means no interference by others or by the government in personal affairs.
• People want to live in society but also wish to be free to act as they choose.
• Others should not dictate what one should or should not do.

2. Six Freedoms Guaranteed by the Indian Constitution:

• Every citizen of India has the right to:
  • Freedom of speech and expression
  • Freedom to assemble peacefully
  • Freedom to form associations or unions
  • Freedom to move freely throughout the country
  • Freedom to reside in any part of India
  • Freedom to practice any profession or carry on any occupation, trade, or business

3. Limits and Responsibilities of Freedom:

• Every citizen enjoys these freedoms, but no one can use them to harm others’ rights.
• Freedom cannot cause public nuisance, disorder, or harm.
• Freedom is not unlimited; the government can impose reasonable restrictions for the larger good of society.

4. Importance of Freedom of Speech and Expression:

• It is one of the essential features of democracy.
• Freedom of expression helps in developing ideas and personality through open communication.
• Citizens are free to:
  • Criticise the government or associations.
  • Express opinions through speech, writing, art, songs, or media.
• However, this freedom cannot be used to:
  • Instigate violence or rebellion against the government.
  • Defame others through false statements that harm their reputation.

5. Freedom to Assemble and Form Associations:

• Citizens can hold meetings, processions, rallies, and demonstrations to discuss issues, share ideas, or campaign.
• Such gatherings must be peaceful and non-violent.
• Participants cannot carry weapons or cause public disorder.
• Citizens can also form associations or unions, such as:
  • Workers’ unions in factories to promote interests.
  • Groups campaigning against corruption or pollution.

6. Freedom of Movement and Residence:

• Citizens can move freely and live anywhere in India.
• Example: A person from Assam can start a business in Hyderabad even without prior connection to the city.
• This freedom supports migration from villages to cities or from poor to prosperous regions.

7. Freedom to Choose Occupation:

• Citizens can choose any profession, occupation, trade, or business.
• No one can be forced to take or avoid a particular job.
• Women cannot be told certain occupations are “not for them.”
• People from deprived castes cannot be restricted to traditional occupations.

8. Protection of Life and Personal Liberty:

• No person can be deprived of life or personal liberty except by legal procedure.
• No one can be killed unless a court orders a death sentence.
• Police or government cannot arrest or detain anyone without proper legal reason.

9. Legal Procedures During Arrest:

• When a person is arrested:
  • They must be informed of the reasons for arrest or detention.
  • They must be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
  • They have the right to consult or engage a lawyer for defence.

10. Real-World Connection:

• The cases of Guantanamo Bay and Kosovo show violations of basic rights-especially the right to life and personal liberty-highlighting why these freedoms are essential in a democracy.

Right Against Exploitation

1. Meaning of the Right Against Exploitation:

• Once the Right to Liberty and Equality is granted, it automatically includes the right not to be exploited.
• To ensure protection of weaker sections, the Constitution specifically mentions provisions to prevent exploitation.

2. Purpose of Including This Right:

• The Constitution makers wanted to clearly write down laws to stop exploitation of vulnerable groups.
• It was meant to protect people from social and economic injustice.

3. Three Specific Evils Prohibited by the Constitution:

• The Constitution identifies three main forms of exploitation and declares them illegal:
  • Traffic in Human Beings
    • Refers to the buying and selling of human beings, usually women.
    • It is done for immoral purposes such as forced prostitution.
    • The Constitution strictly prohibits this practice.
  • Forced Labour or Begar
    • Begar means forcing someone to work without payment or for very little pay.
    • It involves servitude, where a person works for a “master” unwillingly.
    • When begar continues for life, it becomes bonded labour.
    • The Constitution bans forced and bonded labour in any form.
  • Child Labour
    • The Constitution prohibits employment of children below 14 years.
    • Children cannot work in factories, mines, or hazardous industries like:
      • Railways and ports
      • Beedi-making
      • Firecrackers and match factories
      • Printing and dyeing industries
    • Many laws have been framed based on this constitutional provision.

4. Core Idea of This Right:

• The Right Against Exploitation protects citizens from being abused or misused by others.
• It ensures that human dignity and freedom are preserved for all, especially the weak and poor.

Right to Freedom of Religion

1. Part of the Right to Freedom:

• The Right to Freedom of Religion is a part of the broader Right to Freedom under the Indian Constitution.
• The Constitution makers clearly included this right to ensure religious liberty for all citizens.

2. India as a Secular State:

• India is a secular state, meaning it does not have an official religion.
• People in India follow different religions, and some may not follow any religion at all.
• Secularism ensures that the state is concerned only with human relations, not with relations between humans and God.

3. Nature of Indian Secularism:

• Indian secularism maintains a principled and equal distance from all religions.
• The state must be neutral and impartial in dealing with every religion.
• It neither favors nor discriminates against any religion or group.

4. Freedom Given to Individuals:

• Every person has the right to:
  • Profess the religion they believe in.
  • Practice their religion freely.
  • Propagate (spread) their religion to others.

5. Freedom Given to Religious Groups:

• Every religious group or sect is free to manage its own religious affairs.

6. Limitations on the Right to Propagate:

• The right to propagate religion does not allow forced conversions.
• No one can convert another person through:
  • Force
  • Fraud
  • Inducement or allurement
• However, a person can freely change religion on their own choice.

7. Restrictions on Religious Practices:

• Religious freedom does not mean unlimited freedom.
• Practices that harm others or violate law are not allowed, such as:
  • Animal or human sacrifices in the name of religion.
  • Practices that discriminate against women or restrict their freedom (e.g., forcing widows to shave heads or wear white clothes).

8. Equality Before the State:

• The state does not confer any special privilege or favor any religion.
• It also does not punish or discriminate against anyone for their religious beliefs.

9. Freedom from Religious Taxation:

• The government cannot compel any citizen to pay taxes for the promotion or maintenance of a particular religion or religious institution.

10. Religious Instruction in Educational Institutions:

• No religious instruction is allowed in government educational institutions.
• In privately managed institutions, no student can be forced to:
  • Attend religious classes, or
  • Participate in any religious worship.

Summary Insight:

The Right to Freedom of Religion ensures that every person in India can believe, practice, and propagate their faith freely – but within the limits of law, equality, and public morality. It upholds India’s secular identity by separating religion from state functions.

Cultural and Educational Rights

1. Purpose of Special Guarantees for Minorities:

• Constitution provides written guarantees for minorities, not for the majority.
• Reason: Democracy naturally gives power to the majority.
• Minority language, culture, and religion need special protection to prevent neglect or domination.

2. Cultural Rights of Minorities:

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

3. Educational Rights of Minorities:

• Admission to government or government-aided educational institutions cannot be denied based on religion or language.
• Minorities have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

4. Definition of Minority:

• Minority is contextual, not only religious:
  • Language or regional minorities are also included.
  • Example: Telugu speakers are a majority in Andhra Pradesh but a minority in Karnataka.
  • Example: Sikhs are a majority in Punjab but a minority in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.

Summary Insight: Cultural and educational rights ensure protection of minority languages, cultures, and education, preserving diversity in India’s democratic framework.

How can we secure these Rights?

1. Right to Constitutional Remedies:

• Fundamental Rights are enforceable, making them meaningful.
• Right to Constitutional Remedies is itself a Fundamental Right.
• Citizens can approach courts directly (Supreme Court or High Courts) if Fundamental Rights are violated.
• Dr. Ambedkar called it the “heart and soul” of the Constitution.
• Fundamental Rights are protected against actions of:
  • Legislature
  • Executive
  • Any government authority
• Any law or action violating Fundamental Rights is invalid.
• Courts can issue directions, orders, writs, award compensation, and punish violators.
• Public Interest Litigation (PIL): Any citizen or group can approach courts to protect public interest; even a postcard can initiate PIL.

2. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

• Established in 1993 as an independent commission to protect human rights.
• Independent of government; appointed by the President; includes retired judges, officers, eminent citizens.
• NHRC focuses on helping victims secure their rights, not on punishing the guilty (courts handle punishment).
• Powers include:
  • Conduct inquiry into human rights violations or negligence by government officials
  • Summon witnesses, question officials, demand documents
  • Inspect prisons or send teams for on-the-spot inquiry
• NHRC deals with Constitutional rights and rights under UN international treaties signed by India.
• Presents findings and recommendations to the government or intervenes in court for victims.
• Citizens can complain directly to NHRC; no formal fee or procedure required.
• Every state has its own State Human Rights Commission.

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Political Science (Civics) Class 9 Chapter 5: Democratic Rights

MCQs on NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 9 Chapter 5 Topic – Rights In The Indian Constitution Class 9 Notes

Here are the top exam-oriented MCQ-type questions on “Rights In The Indian Constitution Class 9 Notes” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:

Question 1. Fundamental Rights in India are mentioned in:

a) The Preamble
b) The Constitution
c) The Parliament Rules
d) The Judiciary Act

Answer: b) The Constitution

Question 2. Who called the Right to Constitutional Remedies the “heart and soul” of the Constitution?

a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) B. R. Ambedkar
c) Mahatma Gandhi
d) Rajendra Prasad

Answer: b) B. R. Ambedkar

Question 3. How many Fundamental Rights are there in India?

a) 4
b) 5
c) 6
d) 7

Answer: c) 6

Question 4. Which of the following is not a Fundamental Right?

a) Right to Equality
b) Right to Freedom
c) Right Against Exploitation
d) Right to Government Jobs

Answer: d) Right to Government Jobs

Question 5. Fundamental Rights put into effect the promise of equality, liberty, and justice mentioned in:

a) Directive Principles of State Policy
b) Preamble of the Constitution
c) Fundamental Duties
d) Parliamentary Rules

Answer: b) Preamble of the Constitution

Question 6. What does “equality before law” mean?

a) Law applies only to citizens
b) No person is above the law; everyone is treated equally
c) Only the poor are protected by law
d) Laws can favour government officials

Answer: b) No person is above the law; everyone is treated equally

Question 7. Which of the following is an example of violation of Right to Equality?

a) Police following legal procedure
b) Denying access to a public shop based on caste
c) Granting reservation to backward classes
d) Equal treatment in court proceedings

Answer: b) Denying access to a public shop based on caste

Question 8. Which social practice was made punishable under Right to Equality?

a) Child labour
b) Untouchability
c) Forced labour
d) Bonded labour

Answer: b) Untouchability

Question 9. Are job reservations for SCs, STs, OBCs against the Right to Equality?

a) Yes, always
b) No, they ensure equal opportunity
c) Yes, sometimes
d) No, they violate the Constitution

Answer: b) No, they ensure equal opportunity

Question 10. Which of the following is true about Right to Equality?

a) Only government officials enjoy it
b) Includes equality of opportunity in public employment
c) Only applies to religion and caste
d) Cannot prevent discrimination in social life

Answer: b) Includes equality of opportunity in public employment

Question 11. Which of the following is not part of the Right to Freedom under the Indian Constitution?

a) Freedom of speech and expression
b) Freedom to assemble peacefully
c) Freedom to incite violence
d) Freedom to form associations

Answer: c) Freedom to incite violence

Question 12. Which restriction can the government impose on freedom?

a) Reasonable restrictions in larger public interest
b) No restrictions at all
c) Only restrictions on poor citizens
d) Restrictions based on religion

Answer: a) Reasonable restrictions in larger public interest

Question 13. Which of the following is true about freedom of movement and residence?

a) Restricted to one’s own state
b) Citizens can move and reside anywhere in India
c) Limited to urban areas
d) Only applies to government employees

Answer: b) Citizens can move and reside anywhere in India

Question 14. What rights does an arrested person have?

a) To be informed of reasons for arrest
b) To be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours
c) Right to consult a lawyer
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Question 15. The Right to Freedom protects citizens against:

a) Only government interference
b) Interference by others and the government
c) Natural disasters
d) None of the above

Answer: b) Interference by others and the government

Question 16. Which of the following is prohibited under Right Against Exploitation?

a) Traffic in human beings
b) Forced labour (Begar)
c) Child labour below 14 years in hazardous work
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Question 17. Begar means:

a) Voluntary service
b) Forced labour rendered free or for very low pay
c) Child education
d) None of the above

Answer: b) Forced labour rendered free or for very low pay

Question 18. Which of these occupations is illegal for children under 14 under the Right Against Exploitation?

a) Domestic work
b) Factory, mine, railways, ports, beedi-making, firecrackers, printing, dyeing
c) Education-related jobs
d) Volunteering in NGOs

Answer: b) Factory, mine, railways, ports, beedi-making, firecrackers, printing, dyeing

Question 19. What does Indian secularism mean?

a) State supports only one religion
b) State is neutral and impartial to all religions
c) Religion is abolished
d) People must follow government religion

Answer: b) State is neutral and impartial to all religions

Question 20. Which of the following is allowed under Right to Freedom of Religion?

a) Force someone to convert
b) Sacrifice humans or animals as offerings
c) Practice, profess, and propagate religion peacefully
d) Discriminate against women in religion

Answer: c) Practice, profess, and propagate religion peacefully

Question 21. Can a person be forced to attend religious instructions in private schools receiving government aid?

a) Yes
b) No
c) Sometimes
d) Only for majority religions

Answer: b) No

Question 22. Which of the following is not allowed under Right to Religion?

a) Propagating religion peacefully
b) Compelling conversion by force, fraud, inducement
c) Managing religious affairs of one’s group
d) Practicing religion privately

Answer: b) Compelling conversion by force, fraud, inducement

Question 23. Why are special guarantees given to minorities?

a) To undermine the majority
b) Because minorities’ language, culture, and religion need protection
c) Only for religious reasons
d) To create separate states

Answer: b) Because minorities’ language, culture, and religion need protection

Question 24. Which of the following is a Cultural and Educational Right?

a) Right to conserve language or culture
b) Right to deny admission in schools based on religion or language
c) Right to suppress minorities
d) Right to vote

Answer: a) Right to conserve language or culture

Question 25. Can minorities establish and administer educational institutions of their choice?

a) Yes
b) No
c) Only in government schools
d) Only with Parliament approval

Answer: a) Yes

Question 26. What is the purpose of Right to Constitutional Remedies?

a) To make laws
b) To enforce Fundamental Rights and seek legal remedies
c) To control judiciary
d) To appoint judges

Answer: b) To enforce Fundamental Rights and seek legal remedies

Question 27. Against whom can Fundamental Rights be enforced?

a) Legislatures
b) Executive
c) Private individuals
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Question 28. If a Fundamental Right is violated, a citizen can approach:

a) Supreme Court directly
b) High Court
c) Lower courts
d) Both a and b

Answer: d) Both a and b

Question 29. What is Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?

a) Any government order
b) Legal action to protect public interest; citizens can approach High Court or Supreme Court
c) Personal complaint only
d) Political protest

Answer: b) Legal action to protect public interest; citizens can approach High Court or Supreme Court

Question 30. Who called the Right to Constitutional Remedies the “heart and soul” of the Constitution?

a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) B. R. Ambedkar
c) Jawaharlal Nehru
d) Sardar Patel

Answer: b) B. R. Ambedkar

Question 31. When was the NHRC set up?

a) 1950
b) 1993
c) 2000
d) 1976

Answer: b) 1993

Question 32. Which of the following is true about NHRC?

a) Independent of the government
b) Can punish violators directly
c) Is a part of judiciary
d) Only functions in Delhi

Answer: a) Independent of the government

Question 33. Who appoints the NHRC members?

a) Prime Minister
b) President of India
c) Chief Justice
d) Parliament

Answer: b) President of India

Question 34. Which of the following powers does NHRC have?

a) Summon witnesses
b) Inspect prisons
c) Conduct independent inquiries
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Question 35. Can any citizen approach NHRC directly?

a) Yes, without fee or formal procedure
b) No, only lawyers can
c) Yes, but with fee
d) No, only through court

Answer: a) Yes, without fee or formal procedure