Question map
Fundamental right guaranteed under which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India is available only to the citizens of India?
Explanation
The Constitution of India distinguishes between Fundamental Rights available to all persons and those reserved exclusively for citizens. Article 19 guarantees six specific freedoms—including speech, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession—expressly to 'all citizens' [2]. In contrast, Article 21, which protects life and personal liberty, is available to both citizens and non-citizens (aliens) [1]. Similarly, Articles 20 (protection in respect of conviction for offences) and 22 (protection against arrest and detention) are categorized as rights available to all persons, whether they are citizens or foreigners. The legal framework ensures that while basic protections like the right to life are universal, specific civil liberties under Article 19 are restricted to the citizenry to maintain the sovereign and social order of the state. Therefore, among the given options, only Article 19 is available exclusively to Indian citizens.
Sources
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > III Protection of Six Rights > p. 85
- [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > G Protection of Life and Personal Liberty > p. 89