Right against Exploitation
Explanation
The Constitution of India groups Fundamental Rights into six distinct categories in Part III. The Right against Exploitation (Articles 23 and 24) is specifically aimed at preventing the misuse of vulnerable sections of society by the state or private individuals.
Detailed Analysis:
- Right to Equality (Articles 14–18): This category ensures equality before the law, prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, and provides for equality of opportunity in public employment. It does not deal with forced labour.
- Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22): This encompasses rights such as freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession, as well as protection of life and personal liberty.
- Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24):
- Article 23: Explicitly prohibits traffic in human beings and begar (forced labour without remuneration) and other similar forms of forced labour. It declares that any contravention of this provision shall be an offence punishable in accordance with the law.
- Article 24: Prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years in factories, mines, or other hazardous activities.
- Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): This empowers citizens to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of their Fundamental Rights through writs.
Key Takeaway:
The prohibition of begar and forced labour is a core component of Article 23, which falls under the Right against Exploitation.