B. A. 1st Sem, Political Science (Major), Unit: III, (Rights & Duties)

By Dr. Farzeen

🟩 Topic: Concept of Rights

1. Meaning of Rights

The term “Right” refers to those claims or entitlements that are recognized and protected by society or the state, allowing individuals to act in certain ways.
Rights are essential for the free and full development of human personality and are the foundation of liberty, equality, and justice in a democratic society.

Simple Meaning:
Rights mean “what is permitted or allowed to do” under moral or legal rules.

Example:
The right to education allows every child to go to school; the right to freedom of speech allows individuals to express their opinions.

2. Definitions of Rights

T.H. Green:
“Rights are those powers which individuals possess to secure the common good.”
→ This means that rights are not only for individual benefit but also for the welfare of society.
Laski:
“Rights are those conditions of social life without which no man can seek, in general, to be at his best.”
John Locke:
“Rights are natural and come from the law of nature. No government can take them away.”
H.J. Laski:
“Rights are not gifts from the state, but they exist because of the recognition of human personality.”

3. Nature and Characteristics of Rights

Social Recognition:
Rights exist only in society — there can be no rights in isolation.
Legal Protection:
Rights are protected by law and enforced by the state.
Moral Foundation:
Every right is based on a sense of justice, equality, and moral responsibility.
Reciprocal Duties:
Every right involves a corresponding duty.

Example: My right to life means others have a duty not to harm me.
Dynamic and Changing:
Rights change with time, society, and human needs.

Example: The right to privacy has gained importance in the digital era.
Essential for Development:
Rights help individuals grow intellectually, morally, and socially.

4. Types of Rights

(A) Natural Rights

These are rights that people are born with — given by nature or God.
They are universal and cannot be taken away.

Examples: Right to life, liberty, and property.
Thinker: John Locke supported natural rights.

(B) Moral Rights

Based on moral values or conscience, not on law.
They cannot be enforced by courts but are respected by society.

Examples: Right to love and respect, right to be kind, right to gratitude.

(C) Legal Rights

Rights recognized and protected by the law of the state.
If violated, they can be enforced through courts.

Examples: Right to vote, right to equality, right to information.

(D) Political Rights

These rights enable citizens to participate in the political process.

Examples: Right to vote, right to contest elections, right to criticize the government.

(E) Civil Rights

Rights that ensure individual freedom and protection from arbitrary actions of the state.

Examples: Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, right to equality before law.

(F) Economic Rights

Rights that ensure individuals can live with dignity and economic security.

Examples: Right to work, right to fair wages, right to property.

(G) Fundamental Rights (Indian Context)

Enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution (Articles 12–35).
They are justiciable — citizens can approach the court if violated.

Examples:

Right to Equality (Article 14–18)

Right to Freedom (Article 19–22)

Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)

5. Relationship Between Rights and Duties

Rights and Duties are two sides of the same coin.

Rights	Corresponding Duties
Right to Freedom	Duty not to misuse freedom
Right to Education	Duty to study sincerely
Right to Vote	Duty to vote responsibly
Right to Life	Duty to respect the life of others
Right to Equality	Duty not to discriminate against others

Mahatma Gandhi:
“The true source of right is duty. If we all discharge our duties, rights will not be far to seek.”

6. Importance of Rights

For Individual Development:
Rights help a person to develop personality and live with dignity.
For Social Order:
Rights maintain harmony and equality among members of society.
For Democracy:
Rights empower citizens to participate actively in the political process.
For Justice:
Rights protect individuals from exploitation and injustice.
For Progress:
Rights create an atmosphere of freedom and innovation in society.

7. Real-Life Examples of Rights

Situation	Right Involved	Purpose
A citizen speaks against a policy	Right to freedom of speech	Democratic participation
A child goes to school	Right to education	Social equality
A woman demands equal pay	Right to equality	Economic justice
A person refuses forced labor	Right against exploitation	Human dignity
Citizen approaches court for justice	Right to constitutional remedies	Rule of law

8. Conclusion

Rights are the pillars of democracy and human dignity. They ensure that every individual enjoys freedom, equality, and justice within society. However, rights must be exercised responsibly and in harmony with duties to maintain social balance and collective welfare.

In short:
“Rights empower; Duties balance.”

Topic: Concept of Duties

1. Meaning of Duties

The term “duty” refers to a moral or legal obligation that an individual owes to others or to society. Duties are those acts or behaviors which a person is bound to perform, either by law, morality, or social norms.

In simple words, duty means what one ought to do.

Example: Paying taxes, respecting elders, helping the poor, and protecting the environment are all examples of duties.

2. Definition of Duty

Immanuel Kant:
“Duty is the necessity to act out of reverence for the moral law.”
→ This means that a person performs a duty not for personal gain, but because it is morally right.
Oxford Dictionary:
“Duty is a moral or legal obligation; a responsibility.”
J.S. Mill:
“Duties are those acts which are required by morality or by law.”

3. Nature of Duties

Moral Obligation:
Duties often arise from moral principles — like honesty, kindness, and justice.
Legal Compulsion:
Some duties are enforced by the law — like obeying traffic rules or paying taxes.
Social Responsibility:
Duties help maintain harmony and order in society.
Reciprocal Nature:
Duties are closely linked with rights — one person’s right is another person’s duty.

Example: A citizen’s right to life implies the duty of others not to harm him.

4. Types of Duties

(A) Moral Duties

These are duties that individuals perform based on moral conscience, not because of legal enforcement.

Examples: Speaking the truth, helping the needy, respecting parents.

(B) Legal Duties

These are duties imposed by law and enforceable by the state.

Examples: Paying taxes, obeying laws, not committing crimes.

(C) Fundamental Duties (in Indian Constitution)

Listed in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, these duties guide citizens to act responsibly toward the nation.

Examples:

To abide by the Constitution and respect the national flag and anthem.

To protect the environment.

To develop scientific temper and spirit of inquiry.

(D) Civic Duties

These are duties that citizens owe to the community and the state to ensure smooth governance.

Examples: Voting in elections, participating in public service, obeying laws.

(E) Personal or Family Duties

These are duties we owe to our family and relatives.

Examples: Taking care of parents, educating children, maintaining family harmony.

5. Relationship Between Rights and Duties

Rights and duties are two sides of the same coin.

Every right implies a corresponding duty.
If citizens demand rights, they must also perform their duties to maintain balance.

Examples:

The right to education implies the duty to attend school and study sincerely.

The right to freedom of speech implies the duty not to misuse it to spread hatred.

Mahatma Gandhi emphasized:

“The true source of rights is duty. If we all discharge our duties, rights will not be far to seek.”

6. Importance of Duties

For Individual Development:
Performing duties helps in developing self-discipline and moral character.
For Social Harmony:
Duties promote cooperation and peace in society.
For National Progress:
Responsible citizens who perform their duties contribute to national unity and development.
For Upholding Democracy:
A democratic system functions effectively only when citizens perform their civic duties sincerely.

7. Real-Life Examples of Duties

Situation	Duty Involved	Result of Performing Duty
During elections	Voting responsibly	Strengthening democracy
In public spaces	Not littering	Clean environment
In office	Doing assigned work honestly	Efficiency and trust
At home	Caring for elders	Family harmony
As a student	Attending classes regularly	Academic success

8. Conclusion

Duties form the moral and functional foundation of a civilized society. While rights empower individuals, duties bind them to social responsibility. The balance between rights and duties ensures justice, equality, and collective welfare.

In short:
“Rights make us free citizens; Duties make us responsible citizens.”

For Class Discussion / Interactive Activity

Question to Students:
“Can you give one example where ignoring duty leads to harm for society?”
(e.g., Not voting → Weak democracy; Not following traffic rules → Accidents)

🟧 Interactive Class Question:

👉 “Can we enjoy our rights if we ignore our duties? Give one real example.”

Answer:

No, we cannot truly enjoy our rights if we ignore our duties.
Rights and duties are two sides of the same coin — they are interdependent. If people fail to perform their duties, the rights of others get violated, and social harmony breaks down.

Explanation:

Every right of one person implies a corresponding duty on others.
When individuals ignore their duties, they make it impossible for others to enjoy their rights.
In a democratic society, rights can exist only when citizens act responsibly and respect others’ rights.

Real-Life Example:

Example:
Citizens have the right to a clean and healthy environment.
But this right can only be enjoyed if everyone performs their duty not to pollute, to dispose of waste properly, and to plant trees.

👉 If people throw garbage on roads, waste water, or use loudspeakers irresponsibly, they violate the rights of others to live in a clean and peaceful environment.

Thus, by ignoring our duties, we endanger our own rights and the rights of others.

Conclusion:

To enjoy our rights, we must perform our duties sincerely.
A responsible citizen ensures that while exercising personal rights, the freedom, safety, and dignity of others are protected.

In short:
“Rights without duties are like freedom without responsibility — both lead to chaos.”