The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution are designed to protect individual liberties, but they are not absolute. The Constitution strikes a balance between individual liberty and social control by allowing the State to impose reasonable restrictions.Analysis of Assertion and Reason:
- Assertion (A) is Correct: Fundamental Rights are qualified, not absolute. The Constitution explicitly enumerates grounds upon which the State can restrict these rights. For instance, the freedoms guaranteed under Article 19 are subject to reasonable restrictions under Articles 19(2) to 19(6) on grounds such as the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, and public order.
- Reason (R) is Correct: The rationale behind imposing restrictions is that absolute liberty would lead to license and anarchy. For rights to be meaningful for all, the exercise of one individual's rights must not infringe upon the rights of others or endanger public safety and order.
- Relationship: The reason (R) provides the correct justification for the assertion (A). Rights are limited (A) precisely because their unrestricted exercise would harm others or the collective interest (R).
Key Takeaway: Fundamental Rights are subject to reasonable restrictions to ensure that individual liberty does not compromise public order, morality, or the rights of other citizens.