The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The framing of the Indian Constitution was deeply influenced by the values and principles evolved during the freedom struggle. Long before the Constituent Assembly met, Indian leaders had forged a consensus on the basic framework of the future Constitution through documents such as the Nehru Report (1928) and the Karachi Resolution (1931) of the Indian National Congress.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The principle of Universal Adult Franchise was not rejected; on the contrary, it was strongly advocated. The Nehru Report (1928) explicitly recommended that every citizen who has attained the age of 21 should be entitled to vote. This value was accepted by Indian leaders well before the Constituent Assembly was formed.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The protection of minority rights was a fundamental value accepted by the leaders to ensure the unity and integrity of the diverse Indian populace. Both the Nehru Report and the Karachi Resolution emphasized the protection of the cultural and linguistic rights of minorities.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The Right to Freedom and Equality was a core demand of the nationalist movement. The Karachi Resolution (1931) adopted a specific resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy, which guaranteed basic civil liberties and equality before the law.
Key Takeaway:
The consensus on Universal Adult Franchise, Fundamental Rights (Freedom and Equality), and the Protection of Minority Rights was established through the Nehru Report (1928) and the Karachi Resolution (1931), serving as the ideological foundation for the Constituent Assembly.