Chapter 5: Democratic Rights - NCERT Solutions
Exercise
Q1. Which of the following is not an instance of an exercise of a fundamental right?
a. Workers from Bihar go to the Punjab to work on the farms
b. Christian missions set up a chain of missionary schools
c. Men and women government employees get the same salary
d. Parents’ property is inherited by their children
a. Workers from Bihar go to the Punjab to work on the farms
b. Christian missions set up a chain of missionary schools
c. Men and women government employees get the same salary
d. Parents’ property is inherited by their children
Answer - d. Parents’ property is inherited by their children
Q2. Which of the following freedoms is not available to an Indian citizen?
a. Freedom to criticise the government
b. Freedom to participate in armed revolution
c. Freedom to start a movement to change the government
d. Freedom to oppose the central values of the Constitution
a. Freedom to criticise the government
b. Freedom to participate in armed revolution
c. Freedom to start a movement to change the government
d. Freedom to oppose the central values of the Constitution
Answer - b. Freedom to participate in armed revolution
Q3. Which of the following rights is available under the Indian Constitution?
a. Right to work
b. Right to adequate livelihood
c. Right to protect one’s culture
d. Right to privacy
a. Right to work
b. Right to adequate livelihood
c. Right to protect one’s culture
d. Right to privacy
Answer - c. Right to protect one’s culture
Q4. Name the Fundamental Right under which each of the following rights falls:
a. Freedom to propagate one’s religion
b. Right to life
c. Abolition of untouchability
d. Ban on bonded labour
a. Freedom to propagate one’s religion
b. Right to life
c. Abolition of untouchability
d. Ban on bonded labour
Answer - a. Right to Freedom of Religion
b. Right to Freedom
c. Right to Equality
d. Right against Exploitation
b. Right to Freedom
c. Right to Equality
d. Right against Exploitation
Q5. 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.
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.
Answer -
a. Every country that is a democracy gives rights to its citizens.
This is the most valid statement because in a democracy, the government is accountable to the people and must protect their rights and freedoms. Rights such as freedom of speech, equality, and protection from exploitation are essential to ensure that citizens can participate freely and fairly in the democratic process. Without rights, democracy becomes meaningless.
a. Every country that is a democracy gives rights to its citizens.
This is the most valid statement because in a democracy, the government is accountable to the people and must protect their rights and freedoms. Rights such as freedom of speech, equality, and protection from exploitation are essential to ensure that citizens can participate freely and fairly in the democratic process. Without rights, democracy becomes meaningless.
Q6. Are these restrictions on the right to freedom justified? Give reasons for your answer.
a. Indian citizens need permission to visit some border areas of the country for reasons of security.
b. Outsiders are not allowed to buy property in some areas to protect the interest of the local population.
c. The government bans the publication of a book that can go against the ruling party in the next elections.
a. Indian citizens need permission to visit some border areas of the country for reasons of security.
b. Outsiders are not allowed to buy property in some areas to protect the interest of the local population.
c. The government bans the publication of a book that can go against the ruling party in the next elections.
Answer -
a. This restriction is justified as it is related to national security. Certain border areas are sensitive, and unrestricted movement can pose risks. Hence, seeking permission helps maintain safety and security.
b. This restriction is also justified. It is imposed to protect the interests, culture, and economy of the local population, especially in regions like tribal areas or border states.
c. This restriction is not justified. Banning a book just because it might affect the ruling party in elections is a violation of the right to freedom of speech and expression. In a democracy, people must have the right to express criticism of the government.
a. This restriction is justified as it is related to national security. Certain border areas are sensitive, and unrestricted movement can pose risks. Hence, seeking permission helps maintain safety and security.
b. This restriction is also justified. It is imposed to protect the interests, culture, and economy of the local population, especially in regions like tribal areas or border states.
c. This restriction is not justified. Banning a book just because it might affect the ruling party in elections is a violation of the right to freedom of speech and expression. In a democracy, people must have the right to express criticism of the government.
Q7. 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? Spell these out in a letter from Manoj to the district collector.
Answer - To
The District Collector,
[District Name]
Subject: Violation of Fundamental Rights
Sir/Madam,
I, Manoj, am writing this letter to bring to your attention an incident of discrimination that I recently faced at a college where I had gone to apply for an MBA course. The clerk at the college refused to accept my application. He mocked my background, saying that since I am the son of a sweeper, I should not aspire to become a manager and should apply for a sweeper’s job instead.
This incident is a clear violation of the following fundamental rights guaranteed to me by the Constitution of India:
a. Right to Equality: Every citizen is equal before the law and has the right to equal opportunity in matters of public employment and education. Denying admission based on caste or occupation violates Article 15 and Article 16.
b. Right to Freedom: I have the freedom to choose my profession and pursue higher education, as guaranteed under Article 19.
c. Right against Exploitation: Discrimination based on caste or background goes against the spirit of Article 17, which abolishes untouchability and prohibits such behaviour.
I request you to kindly take necessary action against this injustice and ensure that such discrimination does not happen with anyone else in the future.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
Manoj
The District Collector,
[District Name]
Subject: Violation of Fundamental Rights
Sir/Madam,
I, Manoj, am writing this letter to bring to your attention an incident of discrimination that I recently faced at a college where I had gone to apply for an MBA course. The clerk at the college refused to accept my application. He mocked my background, saying that since I am the son of a sweeper, I should not aspire to become a manager and should apply for a sweeper’s job instead.
This incident is a clear violation of the following fundamental rights guaranteed to me by the Constitution of India:
a. Right to Equality: Every citizen is equal before the law and has the right to equal opportunity in matters of public employment and education. Denying admission based on caste or occupation violates Article 15 and Article 16.
b. Right to Freedom: I have the freedom to choose my profession and pursue higher education, as guaranteed under Article 19.
c. Right against Exploitation: Discrimination based on caste or background goes against the spirit of Article 17, which abolishes untouchability and prohibits such behaviour.
I request you to kindly take necessary action against this injustice and ensure that such discrimination does not happen with anyone else in the future.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
Manoj
Q8. 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?
Answer - In this dispute, Madhurima is absolutely right.
The Constitution of India guarantees the Right to Equality under Article 14 and 15, which means there can be no discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Forcing a woman to change her surname after marriage is a form of gender discrimination and violates her right to identity and freedom of choice.
Marriage does not automatically require a woman to change her name or surname. It is a matter of personal choice, and legally, she has every right to retain her maiden name. Just as men are not expected to change their names after marriage, women too cannot be compelled to do so.
Therefore, the registrar’s demand is incorrect and against the principles of equality and personal liberty enshrined in our Constitution.
The Constitution of India guarantees the Right to Equality under Article 14 and 15, which means there can be no discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Forcing a woman to change her surname after marriage is a form of gender discrimination and violates her right to identity and freedom of choice.
Marriage does not automatically require a woman to change her name or surname. It is a matter of personal choice, and legally, she has every right to retain her maiden name. Just as men are not expected to change their names after marriage, women too cannot be compelled to do so.
Therefore, the registrar’s demand is incorrect and against the principles of equality and personal liberty enshrined in our Constitution.
Q9. Thousands of tribals and other forest dwellers gathered at Piparia in Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh to protest against their proposed displacement from the Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary and Panchmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary. They argue that such a displacement is an attack on their livelihood and beliefs. Government claims that their displacement is essential for the development of the area and for protection of wildlife. Write a petition on behalf of the forest dwellers to the NHRC, a response from the government and a report of the NHRC on this matter
Answer - Petition to the NHRC:
We, the forest dwellers of the Satpura region, humbly request the NHRC to intervene in the government’s decision to displace us from our ancestral lands in Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary and Panchmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary. These lands are not only our home but also the center of our cultural practices, traditions and beliefs. Displacement will deprive us of our livelihood, violate our fundamental rights, and destroy our way of life. We plead for your support in protecting our rights to life, livelihood, and cultural identity.
Response from the Government:
The decision to relocate the tribal population from the wildlife sanctuaries is taken in the interest of ecological conservation and sustainable development. Human presence in core forest areas poses a threat to endangered species and disrupts the natural habitat. However, we assure that rehabilitation packages will be provided and proper resettlement plans will be implemented to ensure the wellbeing of those displaced.
Report by NHRC:
After reviewing the petition and the government's response, the NHRC recommends that the rights of the forest dwellers be respected. Displacement should not take place without the free and informed consent of the affected people. Proper consultation must be done with the communities, and any relocation must follow the guidelines under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The NHRC further advises the government to explore alternative models that allow for both conservation and protection of tribal rights.
We, the forest dwellers of the Satpura region, humbly request the NHRC to intervene in the government’s decision to displace us from our ancestral lands in Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary and Panchmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary. These lands are not only our home but also the center of our cultural practices, traditions and beliefs. Displacement will deprive us of our livelihood, violate our fundamental rights, and destroy our way of life. We plead for your support in protecting our rights to life, livelihood, and cultural identity.
Response from the Government:
The decision to relocate the tribal population from the wildlife sanctuaries is taken in the interest of ecological conservation and sustainable development. Human presence in core forest areas poses a threat to endangered species and disrupts the natural habitat. However, we assure that rehabilitation packages will be provided and proper resettlement plans will be implemented to ensure the wellbeing of those displaced.
Report by NHRC:
After reviewing the petition and the government's response, the NHRC recommends that the rights of the forest dwellers be respected. Displacement should not take place without the free and informed consent of the affected people. Proper consultation must be done with the communities, and any relocation must follow the guidelines under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The NHRC further advises the government to explore alternative models that allow for both conservation and protection of tribal rights.
Q10. Draw a web interconnecting different rights discussed in this chapter. For example right to freedom of movement is connected to the freedom of occupation. One reason for this is that freedom of movement enables a person to go to place of work within one’s village or city or to another village, city or state. Similarly this right can be used for pilgrimage, connected with freedom to follow one’s religion. Draw a circle for each right and mark arrows that show connection between or among different rights. For each arrow, give an example that shows the linkage.
Answer - The answer for this question involves a diagram and is not available yet. It will be added soon.