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Rights in a Democracy

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Rights in a Democracy: Democratic rights are part of the rights enjoyed by citizens under a democratic framework. These rights prohibit the elected government from engaging in excessive behaviour toward the public. The importance of democratic rights lies in the fact that every citizen of the country has equal access to those rights, regardless of the motive. The idea of ​???? prosperous democracy is cited in an environment where full democratic rights for its citizens with full protection of those rights. Once the citizens of a country are satisfied with the political environment, they will continue to focus on productive activities and live satisfying lives.

Rights-in-a-Democracy-

Rights in a Democracy

The government system in which citizens have the right to elect power is called democracy. The idea of ​​such a background is not new and was first introduced in ancient Greece during the political reforms of Athens. The system of electing rulers by voting is practiced in democratic nations with procedures suitable for the people. You can vote using either ballots or electronic voting machines (EVMs). Both are very effective methods.

Rights in a Democracy 

We all want to live happily without fear and abuse. In return, we expect others to act in a way that does not hurt or hurt us. Similarly, our actions must not hurt or hurt others. If you claim a right that is possible to others as well, the right is possible. Rights entail an obligation to respect the rights of others. What is recognized as legal by society is the basis of rights. Therefore, the concept of rights changes from time to time and from society to society. Any claim can be called a “right” if it has the following three characteristics: 

  1. Claims should be substantiated
  2. Claims should be recognized by society.
  3. Claims should be approved by law 

Why do we need rights in Democracy? 

In a democracy, all citizens have elected the right and the right to be elected by the government. Rights play a very special role in democracy. Rights protect the minority from oppression by the majority. Rights are guarantees that you can use in the event of any problems.

Life without rights  

  • Guantanamo Bay Prison: The United States government secretly detained about 600 people from all over the world and put them in a prison at Guantanamo Bay. The government has declared itself an enemy of the United States and was involved in the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York.    
  • Citizenship in Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, the position of citizens towards their government is the one mentioned below:   The country is ruled by a hereditary king, and the people have no role in voting or changing Dominator.  The king chooses the legislative as well as the executive.  Citizens may not form political parties or political organizations.  There is no freedom of religion.  Women are subject to many publicity restrictions.   
  • Ethnic Massacre in Kosovo: Yugoslavia was a small province before the split. The population is predominantly Albanian, but Serbs make up the majority of the country. A stubborn Serbian nationalist, Milosevic, won the election and his government was very hostile to the Albanians. He wanted the Serbs to rule the country. Many Serbian leaders believe that minorities such as the Albanians should leave the country or accept Serb rule.

Rights in Indian constitution 

The right to apply constitutional safeguards  

The right to apply constitutional safeguards empowers citizens to take legal action in the event of denial of basic rights.   

Equal Rights  

The Constitution provides that the government shall not deny any person in India the right to equality before the law. This means that the law applies equally to everyone, regardless of a person’s status. There can be no distinction between a political leader, a civil servant, and an ordinary citizen. The Government will not discriminate against any citizen because of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.  All citizens have the right to access public places such as shops, restaurants, hotels, and cinemas. There shall be no restrictions on the use of wells, reservoirs, bathing pools, roads, playgrounds, and public resorts maintained or open to the public.  All citizens have equal opportunity in employment or appointment to any government office.  

Right to Freedom  

According to the Constitution of India, all citizens have the right to Freedom of speech and expression. Freedom of movement throughout the country.  Reside in any part of the country. Practice or continue a profession, trade, or business. You may not exercise your freedom in a manner that infringes the freedoms of others.

Right to resist exploitation 

All citizens have the right not to be exploited. The Constitution has clear provisions to prevent the exploitation of the disadvantaged classes in society. The Constitution mentions 3 specific evils as mentioned below and declares them illegal. The Constitution prohibits “trafficking in persons.” Trafficking means selling and buying people, usually women, for unethical purposes. Our Constitution prohibits forced labor or begging of any kind. Begging is an activity in which the worker is obliged to serve the “master” for free or for nominal remuneration. When this practice goes on throughout life, it is called the practice of bondage of debt. The Constitution prohibits child labor. Under this regulation, no one is allowed to employ children under the age of 14 to work in factories or mines or in any other dangerous work, such as railroads and harbors. 

Freedom of religion 

Everyone has the right to profess, practice, and propagate the religion of his or her belief. India is a secular country which means that India does not establish any religion as its official religion. One’s freedom to practice one’s religion does not mean that one can do whatever one wants in the name of religion. For example, one cannot sacrifice animals or people as offerings to supernatural forces or gods.  

Cultural and Educational Rights 

The Constitution of India provides for the cultural and educational rights of minorities: Any part of the citizenry with a different language or culture has the right to keep back that right.

How can we guarantee these rights? 

The constitutional right to appeal gives effect to five other fundamental rights. When any of our rights are violated, we may seek a settlement in court. This is why Dr. Ambedkar calls the right to amend the constitution the “heart and soul” of our Constitution. Fundamental rights are guaranteed against the actions of the legislature, the executive, and any other authority established by the government. No law or act can violate fundamental rights. If a Legislative or Executive action removes or restricts one of the Fundamental Rights, that action shall be null and void.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are democratic rights? 

  1. Everyone has the right to participate in the government of his or her country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
  2. Everyone has  equal access to public office in their country.

How important are human rights in a democratic society?

Human Rights guarantees free and fair elections under conditions of political equality. Human rights ensure open communication and  free  opinion formation. Human rights ensure the implementation of democratic decisions and thus make democratic government  effective.

Explain the mechanism of democracy?

This means that our government is elected by the citizens. Here, citizens vote for their government representatives. These civil servants represent the  ideas and concerns of citizens in government. 



Last Updated : 23 Jan, 2024
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