B. A. 1st Sem Political Science (General Elective Unit-1)

- September 01, 2025

By. Dr. Farzeen

📘 UNIT I – INTRODUCTION TO CIVIL RIGHTS

📍 Coverage:

What are Civil Rights – Definition & Significance
Types of Rights – Civil, Political, Social, Economic
Key Documents – Constitution of India & UDHR

1. Meaning of Civil Rights

(a) Definition

General Definition: Civil rights are the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, protected by the law.
Civil Rights are the set of rights that protect individuals’ freedom from infringement by governments, social organizations, and private individuals.
They guarantee the ability to participate in the civil and political life of the society and state without discrimination or repression.
Legal Definition (Black’s Law Dictionary): “Civil rights are the personal rights guaranteed and protected by the Constitution and laws of the state.”
Scholarly Views:
- Cranston (1962): Civil rights are those rights without which democracy is not possible.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Civil rights are essential for the dignity of individuals and for maintaining equality in society.

(b) Difference between Civil Rights & Human Rights

Civil Rights	Human Rights
Guaranteed by Constitution & laws of a country.	Universal, belong to every human being by birth.
Example: Right to vote, Right to equality in India.	Example: Right to life, right to dignity (UDHR).
Can vary from one country to another.	Same across all countries (though implementation differs).

(c) Significance of Civil Rights

Protects Individual Freedom – Citizens can freely express themselves, practice religion, and live without fear of arbitrary state action.
Ensures Equality – All citizens are equal before law regardless of caste, gender, class, or religion.
Strengthens Democracy – Without civil rights like voting and freedom of expression, democracy cannot survive.
Prevents Exploitation – Protects marginalized groups such as Dalits, women, and minorities.
Promotes Social Justice – Ensures fair treatment, equal opportunities, and dignity for all.

👉 Example: The abolition of untouchability under Article 17 of the Indian Constitution is a landmark civil right that promotes equality.

The Right to Education (2009) ensures all children between 6–14 years get free education.

2. Types of Rights

Civil rights are not limited to political freedoms only. They are interlinked with social and economic justice.

(a) Civil Rights

Protect the liberty and dignity of individuals.
Examples:
- Right to Equality (Art. 14)
- Right to Freedom of Religion (Art. 25)
- Right to Privacy (K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, 2017)

(b) Political Rights

Enable citizens to participate in governance and politics.
Examples:
- Right to Vote (Universal Adult Franchise – 18 years and above).
- Right to Contest Elections.
- Right to Form Political Parties and Associations (Art. 19).

(c) Social Rights

Guarantee equal access to resources and opportunities in society.
Examples:
- Right to Education (Art. 21A).
- Right to Health (Directive Principles, Art. 47).
- Abolition of untouchability (Art. 17).

(d) Economic Rights

Ensure livelihood, income, and economic equality.
Examples:
- Right to Work (Directive Principles, Art. 41).
- Equal Pay for Equal Work (Randhir Singh v. Union of India, 1982).
- Minimum Wages Act, 1948.

(e) Interrelationship of Rights

Civil, political, social, and economic rights are interconnected.
👉 Example: Without the right to education (social right), the right to vote (political right) loses meaning.
👉 Without economic equality, civil and political rights remain incomplete.

3. Key Documents

(a) Constitution of India (1950)

Part III (Fundamental Rights) provides the legal basis of civil rights.
Key Provisions:
- Equality before Law (Art. 14).
- Prohibition of Discrimination (Art. 15).
- Right to Freedom of Speech & Expression (Art. 19).
- Protection of Life & Personal Liberty (Art. 21).
- Right to Constitutional Remedies (Art. 32).

👉 Dr. Ambedkar called Article 32 the "Heart and Soul of the Constitution" because it allows citizens to directly approach the Supreme Court when rights are violated.

(b) Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948)

Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948.
India was one of the original signatories.
Key Civil Rights in UDHR:
- Article 1: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
- Article 3: Right to life, liberty, and security.
- Article 19: Freedom of opinion and expression.
- Article 21: Right to participate in government.

👉 UDHR inspired many constitutions, including India’s, in framing fundamental rights.

4. Illustrative Case Studies (for teaching)

Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): Established basic structure doctrine – civil rights cannot be destroyed even by Parliament.
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): Expanded interpretation of personal liberty under Art. 21.
Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): Recognized LGBTQIA+ rights by decriminalizing homosexuality.

5. Summary Points for Students

Civil rights = protections of freedom, equality, and dignity.
They are country-specific but inspired by universal human rights.
Types: Civil, Political, Social, Economic.
Main sources: Indian Constitution (Part III) & UDHR (1948).
Civil rights are essential for democracy, social justice, and equality.

✅ Suggested Readings (As per Syllabus)

Khosla, Madhav, et al. (2016). The Oxford Handbook of the Indian Constitution.
Agarwal, H.O. (2014). Manav Adhikar (Human Rights).
Babel, B.L. (2023). A Guide to Civil Practice.
Kumar, Vijay. (2003). Human Rights Dimensions and Issues.
Basu, D.D. (2018). Introduction to the Constitution of India.

For Unit 2 follow this 🔗

https://khanfarzeen.blogspot.com/2025/09/b-1st-sem-political-science-general_1.html

For Unit 3 follow this 🔗

https://khanfarzeen.blogspot.com/2025/09/b-1st-sem-political-science-general_56.html

For Unit- 4 follow this 🔗

https://khanfarzeen.blogspot.com/2025/09/b-1st-sem-political-science-general_29.html

NEP Political Science Class Notes