Universal enforceability and binding force on authorities
Explanation
The Fundamental Rights, enshrined in Part III of the Constitution, are justiciable rights guaranteed to citizens to protect them against the arbitrary actions of the State. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, explicitly defined the dual purpose of these rights during the Constituent Assembly debates.Analysis:
According to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the object of Fundamental Rights is two-fold:
- First: That every citizen must be in a position to claim those rights. This refers to the aspect of enforceability or claimability by the individual.
- Second: That these rights must be binding upon every authority-including the Union Government, State Governments, and local bodies-that possesses the power to make laws.
Thus, the primary objectives are to ensure that rights are universally available to be claimed by citizens and that they impose a mandatory limitation on the powers of the State authorities.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Absolute character without judicial limitation: Fundamental Rights are not absolute; they are subject to reasonable restrictions.
- Primacy of majority rights with minority protection: Fundamental Rights are often designed to protect minorities against the tyranny of the majority, rather than establishing the primacy of majority rights.
- Conditional operation linked to Fundamental Duties: While Fundamental Duties exist in Part IV-A, the enjoyment of Fundamental Rights is not legally conditional upon the performance of these duties.
Key Takeaway: The essence of Fundamental Rights lies in their justiciability (ability to be claimed) and their binding nature on all legislative and executive authorities.