{"id":4430,"date":"2025-07-11T20:21:29","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T14:51:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=4430"},"modified":"2025-10-15T13:33:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T08:03:25","slug":"human-rights-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/human-rights-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Human Rights in India: Definition, Nature, Constitutional Provisions, NHRC"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<label class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/label>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/human-rights-in-india\/#What_are_Human_Rights\">What are Human Rights?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/human-rights-in-india\/#Nature_of_Human_Rights\">Nature of Human Rights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/human-rights-in-india\/#Human_Rights_in_Indian_Constitution\">Human Rights in Indian Constitution<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/human-rights-in-india\/#Universal_Declaration_of_Human_Rights_UDHR\">Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/human-rights-in-india\/#Difference_Between_Human_Rights_and_Fundamental_Rights\">Difference Between Human Rights and Fundamental Rights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/human-rights-in-india\/#Human_Rights_in_India_FAQ\">Human Rights in India FAQ?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><b><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4433\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-11-141213.png?resize=300%2C204&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-11-141213.png?resize=300%2C204&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-11-141213.png?w=322&amp;ssl=1 322w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/>\nHuman Rights in India are the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India.<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the United Nations, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human rights are rights inherent to or any other status. <\/span><\/i><b>all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, or religion.<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human rights in India are guaranteed by the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/free-resources\/mains-marks-booster\/fundamental-rights\"><b> Fundamental Rights<\/b><\/a><b>, the Directive Principles of State Policy and by laws.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Here are some articles related to human rights in the indian constitution<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Article<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Provisions<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article 14<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equality before the law and equal protection under the law.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article 15<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article 17<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abolishes untouchability.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article 19<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Freedoms of speech, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article 20<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protection in respect of conviction for offences (e.g., no ex-post facto laws).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article 21<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Right to life and personal liberty<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article 25<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Freedom of conscience and free practice of religion.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article 32<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Right to constitutional remedies<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also read <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc-notes\/upsc-mains-marks-booster\/national-human-rights-commission-functions-challenges-india\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Human Rights Commission<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>What are Human Rights?<br \/>\n<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4434\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-11-141317.png?resize=300%2C197&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"197\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-11-141317.png?resize=300%2C197&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-11-141317.png?w=367&amp;ssl=1 367w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>Human Rights are those minimal rights that every individual must have against the State<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or other public authority by virtue of their being a member of the human family, irrespective of any other consideration. The concept of <\/span><b>human rights is as old as the ancient doctrine of &#8216;natural rights&#8217; founded on natural law;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the expression &#8216;human rights&#8217; is of recent origin, emerging from (post-Second World War) international Charters and Conventions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nature_of_Human_Rights\"><\/span><b>Nature of Human Rights<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Universal and inalienable<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The principle of universality of human rights is the cornerstone of international human rights law. This means that we are all equally entitled to our human rights. Human rights are inalienable. They should not be taken away, except in specific situations and according to due process. For example, the right to liberty may be restricted if a person is found guilty of a crime by a court of law.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Indivisible and interdependent.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> All human rights are indivisible and interdependent. This means that one set of rights cannot be enjoyed fully without the other. For example, making progress in civil and political rights makes it easier to exercise economic, social and cultural rights. Similarly, violating economic, social and cultural rights can negatively affect many other rights.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Equal and non-discriminatory <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article 1 of the UDHR states: \u201cAll human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.\u201d Freedom from discrimination, set out in Article 2, is what ensures this equality. Non-discrimination cuts across all international human rights law. This principle is present in all major human rights treaties. Nondiscrimination is also the central theme of two core instruments: the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Both rights and obligations, all States <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have ratified at least 1 of the 9 core human rights treaties, as well as 1 of the 9 optional protocols. Eighty per cent of States have ratified 4 or more. This means that States have obligations and duties under international law to respect, protect and fulfil human rights. The obligation to respect means that States must refrain from interfering with or curtailing the enjoyment of human rights. The obligation to protect requires States to protect individuals and groups against human rights abuses. The obligation to fulfil means that States must take positive action to facilitate the enjoyment of basic human rights.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Promotion and protection of human rights is not limited to national boundaries but rather stipulates certain ideals that apply the world over.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Also read <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/free-resources\/mains-marks-booster\/ethics-human-interface\"><b>Ethics and Human Interface<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Human_Rights_in_Indian_Constitution\"><\/span><b>Human Rights in Indian Constitution<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Constitution of independent India came into force on 26th Januar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">y. The impact of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on drafting part III of the Constitution is apparent. India has acceded to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as to the subsequent <\/span><b>International Covenants of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and Civil &amp; Political Rights adopted by the Central Assembly of the United Nations.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Human rights in India are\u00a0 protected in three ways:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Constitutional Guarantees:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> fundamental rights and directive principles<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Legislative enactments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: laws against untouchability, child labour, and human trafficking, women&#8217;s rights<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Institutional Framework:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), State Human Rights Commissions, the judiciary, and civil society.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Fundamental Rights enshrined in Part III of the Constitution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have emerged from the doctrine of natural rights. Fundamental Rights are the modern name for what have been traditionally known as Natural Rights. Natural Rights transformed into fundamental rights operate as a constitutional limitation or a restriction on the 4 powers of the organs set up by the Constitution or the State action. Judicial Review, Justiciability or Enforcement became an inseparable concomitant of fundamental rights. As no right of freedom can be absolute, limitations have been imposed on each fundamental right in the interest of securing social justice. Enforcement of fundamental rights can even be suspended or prevented in an emergency. The following Fundamental rights guarantee\u00a0 human rights in India:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Right to Equality (Articles 14-18)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Directive Principles<\/b> <b>enshrined in Part IV of the Constitution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> epitomise the ideals, aspirations, sentiments, precepts and goals of our entire freedom movement. The wisdom of the forefathers of the Constitution was justified in incorporating non-justiciable human rights in the concrete shape of the directive principles. The following\u00a0 provisions promote human rights in india are given below:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Article 38(1)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> states that the state to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order based on justice, social, economic, and political.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Article 39<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides the concept of justice, directing state policy towards securing equitable distribution of resources, equal pay for equal work, and protection of children and workers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drishtijudiciary.com\/to-the-point\/ttp-constitution-of-india\/42nd-amendment-act-1976\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Article 39A<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides equal justice and free legal aid to ensure access to justice for to all.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drishtijudiciary.com\/important-institutions\/supreme-court-of-india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Supreme Court<\/b><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of India recognises the interpretative value of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in construing constitutional provisions related to human rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Constitution provides for <\/span><b>various <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drishtijudiciary.com\/to-the-point\/ttp-constitution-of-india\/writs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>writs<\/b><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari) as mechanisms to enforce fundamental rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>National Human Rights Commission: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA) of 1993 and as amended by the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act of 2006. NHRC promotes Human Rights in India as given below:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Commission is responsible for spreading human rights awareness amongst the masses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and encouraging the efforts of all stakeholders in the field of human rights literacy, not only at the national level but at the international level too.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NHRC is a unique institution because it is one of the few National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the world <\/span><b>whose Chairperson is the former Chief Justice of the country.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The world looks at the NHRC of India as a role model in promoting and monitoring the effective implementation of the promotion and protection of human rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PHRA aligns with the <\/span><b>Paris Principles<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, established during the first global workshop on national human rights institutions held in Paris in October 1991 and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s dedication to advancing and safeguarding human rights is reflected through the <\/span><b>National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under the PHRA, human rights are defined as the entitlements to life, liberty, equality, and dignity, as guaranteed by the <\/span><b>Indian Constitution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or recognised in international agreements, and enforceable within Indian courts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also read <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/free-resources\/mains-marks-booster\/fundamental-rights\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fundamental Rights in Indian Constitution<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)<br \/>\n<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4435\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-11-141449.png?resize=300%2C169&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-11-141449.png?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-11-141449.png?w=377&amp;ssl=1 377w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>UDHR is a pivotal document shaping global human rights. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crafted by diverse representatives from various legal and cultural backgrounds, it was adopted by the <\/span><b>United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, in Paris,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a shared benchmark for all nations and their citizens.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Two Categories of Rights:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0UDHR encompasses two main types of rights:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Civil and Political Rights<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 These protect individual freedoms and participation in governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 These focus on access to basic needs, social welfare, and cultural participation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Enforceability:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the UDHR is not a legally enforceable treaty, its core principles have become widely accepted as global standards that all countries are encouraged to uphold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Universality:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UDHR outlines essential human rights to be safeguarded worldwide, translated into over 500 languages for universal accessibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its influence lies in the ability of its ideas to transform societies, motivating ongoing efforts to ensure everyone enjoys freedom, equality, and dignity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC):<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UNHRC, established by the General Assembly in 2006, is the primary international body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally. Comprising 47 member countries, it serves as a platform to address human rights abuses and national issues, offering recommendations to improve human rights practices and respond to crises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> supports the Council by providing expertise, technical assistance, and administrative support.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difference_Between_Human_Rights_and_Fundamental_Rights\"><\/span><b>Difference Between Human Rights and Fundamental Rights<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Human Right\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Fundamental Rights<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human rights are Universal and apply everywhere<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fundamental Rights are Country-specific<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human rights are Universal rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, race, religion, or status.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are Fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human rights sources are International declarations and treaties (e.g., Universal Declaration of Human Rights).<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fundamental rights are enumerated in Part 4 and Part 5 of the indian constitution<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not legally enforceable but promoted and monitored by international bodies (e.g., United Nations); not always legally enforceable in courts.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Legally enforceable; individuals can directly approach the Supreme Court or High Courts if violated\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human rights vary country by country; in India, laws like UAPA may limit rights like free speech.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fundamental rights can be restricted for public order, security, or morality (e.g., Art. 19(2)).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Are you preparing for UPSC 2026?<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/prelims\/prelims-samadhaan-mentorship-2025?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=home_page&amp;utm_campaign=course\"> <b>Join IAShub&#8217;s UPSC coaching batches<\/b><\/a><b> to boost your preparation. Enrol now!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Human_Rights_in_India_FAQ\"><\/span><b>Human Rights in India FAQ?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<style>#sp-ea-4432 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-4432{ position: relative; }#sp-ea-4432 .ea-card{ opacity: 0;}#eap-preloader-4432{ position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; height: 100%;width: 100%; text-align: center;display: flex; align-items: center;justify-content: center;}#sp-ea-4432.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-4432.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-4432.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-4432.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-4432.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  padding: 7px;\r\n  background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  margin-right: 0px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single{\r\n background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ea-expand a{\r\n  background: #cfe2ff !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion{\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem;\r\n  margin-top: 1rem;\r\n}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1752222818\"><div id=\"sp-ea-4432\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"1\" data-scroll-active-item=\"1\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div id=\"eap-preloader-4432\" class=\"accordion-preloader\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/plugins\/easy-accordion-free\/public\/assets\/ea_loader.svg\" alt=\"Loader image\"\/><\/div><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-44320\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse44320\" aria-controls=\"collapse44320\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What is the role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse44320\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4432\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-44320\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The NHRC, established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, investigates human rights violations, recommends remedies, and promotes awareness. It can:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Investigate complaints of rights abuses by public servants.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Intervene in court cases involving human rights.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recommend compensation or policy changes.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, its powers are advisory, and it cannot enforce decisions or investigate armed forces\u2019 actions under certain laws.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-44321\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse44321\" aria-controls=\"collapse44321\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What are the main sources of human rights in India? <\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse44321\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4432\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-44321\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Human rights in India are primarily enshrined in the <\/span><b>Constitution of India (1950)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, particularly under Part III (Fundamental Rights), which includes rights to equality, freedom, protection against exploitation, freedom of religion, and cultural\/educational rights. Other sources include:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Legislation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Laws like the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, established the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>International commitments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: India is a signatory to treaties like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and others.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Judicial precedents<\/b><span>: Supreme Court rulings often expand or interpret rights (e.g., right to privacy as a fundamental right in 2017).<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-44322\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse44322\" aria-controls=\"collapse44322\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What is the role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse44322\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4432\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-44322\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The NHRC, established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, investigates human rights violations, recommends remedies, and promotes awareness. It can:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Investigate complaints of rights abuses by public servants.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Intervene in court cases involving human rights.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recommend compensation or policy changes.<\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, its powers are advisory, and it cannot enforce decisions or investigate armed forces\u2019 actions under certain laws.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-44323\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse44323\" aria-controls=\"collapse44323\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What protections exist for marginalised communities?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse44323\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4432\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-44323\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>For Scheduled Castes\/Scheduled Tribes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The SC\/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, addresses caste-based violence, though enforcement varies.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>For Tribal Rights<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Forest Rights Act, 2006, grants land and resource rights to indigenous communities, but bureaucratic hurdles limit its impact.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>For Minorities<\/b><span>: Constitutional protections under Articles 25-30 ensure religious and cultural rights, but communal tensions and violence are challenges.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-44324\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse44324\" aria-controls=\"collapse44324\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How can individuals report human rights violations in India?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse44324\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4432\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-44324\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0Violation of human rights in India can be reported in the following way:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">File complaints with the <\/span><b>NHRC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) online or in person.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Approach courts via <\/span><b>PILs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or writ petitions.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Contact NGOs like People\u2019s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) or Amnesty India (though its operations are limited).<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use helplines for specific issues (e.g., women\u2019s helpline: 181; child helpline: 1098).<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>know about Human Rights in India, including key constitutional articles, NHRC&#8217;s role, UDHR, international obligations, and protections for marginalised communities. Ideal for essays, projects, and academic notes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4456,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[680],"class_list":["post-4430","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-human-rights-in-india"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4430","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4430"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4430\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5945,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4430\/revisions\/5945"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4456"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4430"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4430"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4430"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}