TOP 5 RIGHTS EVERY INDIA SHOULD KNOW

India’s democracy is built on a powerful foundation, and the foundation is its citizens. Our Constitution grants every Indian a wide range of rights meant to protect dignity, equality, and freedom. Yet many people still hesitate to speak out against injustice, often because they are unaware of what the law actually provides.

If you have ever experienced discrimination, exploitation, or unfair treatment but felt unsure whether you could take action or not, then it’s time to empower yourself. Understanding your rights is the first step toward claiming them. Below is a simplified overview of some of the most important rights that every Indian citizen should know. And if you ever feel overwhelmed navigating legal processes, platforms like TMWala can help you easily access guidance, documentation, and essential legal services.

RIGHTS THAT EVERY INDIAN SHOULD KNOW

1. The Right to Information (Article 19(1)(a))

Transparency is at the heart of a healthy democracy. The Right to Information Act (RTI), which came into force in 2005, gives every Indian citizen the power to seek information from public authorities. Whether you want details about a government project, decisions made by an office, delays in public services, or spending of public funds, you have the legal right to ask.

• Public authorities must respond within 30 days.
• If the information concerns life or personal liberty, they must reply within 48 hours.

The RTI Act empowers ordinary citizens to hold authorities accountable. By using this right wisely, people have exposed corruption, solved administrative issues, and obtained clarity on important decisions affecting their lives. If you find the RTI process confusing or want help drafting an application, TMWala can simplify the process by offering templates and expert assistance.

2. The Right to Equality (Article 14)

Article 14 ensures that every individual, whether Indian or foreigner, person or corporation, is equal before the law. It prohibits discrimination and protects individuals from unfair treatment.

The Constitution does allow classification (for example, special provisions for vulnerable groups), but only when such differentiation is reasonable and serves a legitimate purpose. What it disallows is arbitrary or biased treatment.

This right protects you from being judged based on caste, religion, gender, language, or socio-economic background. Whenever you feel that an authority has discriminated against you without reasonable justification, Article 14 is your shield.

3. The Right to Education (Article 21A)

Education is not just a privilege; it is a fundamental right for all children between the ages of 6 and 14. The Right to Education Act (RTE), passed in 2009, lays down the framework to ensure that every child has access to free, compulsory, and quality education.

Some key provisions under RTE include:

• Guarantees free and compulsory education for all children aged 6–14.
• No child can be charged any fees or expenses for elementary schooling.
• Children who never attended school must be admitted to an age-appropriate class.
• Defines the duties of governments, local bodies, and parents in ensuring education.
• Sets school standards like pupil-teacher ratio, infrastructure, and working hours.
• Ensures fair teacher deployment and restricts non-educational duties.
• Requires all teachers to have proper qualifications.
• Prohibits physical punishment, screening tests, capitation fees, private tuition, and unrecognized schools.
• Mandates a child-friendly, stress-free curriculum that supports overall development.

This right aims to remove financial, social, and administrative barriers so that every child can learn with dignity.

Read more: Right to Education | Ministry of Education, GoI

4. The Right to Life (Article 21)

Article 21 is one of the most powerful and widely interpreted rights in the Indian Constitution. It states that no person shall be deprived of their life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law.

But over the years, the courts have expanded their meaning far beyond the literal protection of life. Today, Article 21 includes:

• The right to live with dignity
• The right to a clean environment
• Protection from torture or inhumane treatment
• The right to privacy
• The right to legal aid
• The right to a fair and speedy trial

This right ensures that the State must protect, not endanger, the life and well-being of individuals. If someone dies due to unlawful state action or negligence, the family has the right to demand an inquiry and accountability.

5. The Right to File an FIR

Many people believe police officers can refuse to register a complaint, but the law says otherwise. Under Section 166A of the Indian Penal Code (Section 199 of BNS), refusing to file an FIR for a cognizable offence is a punishable act.

Here’s what you can do if your FIR is not being registered:

• Visit the nearest police station: You can give your information verbally or in writing, as provided under Section 154 of the CrPC (173 of BNSS). The police must record it.
• Approach senior police officials: If the FIR is still not registered, submit a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police or a similar senior officer. They can conduct an investigation themselves or assign it to another officer.
• Approach the Judicial Magistrate: Under Section 156(3) read with Section 190 of the CrPC (210 BNSS), you can request a Judicial or Metropolitan Magistrate to order the police to begin an investigation.
• File a writ petition: If the failure to act violates your right to life and liberty under Article 21, you can move the High Court for justice and compensation.

This right ensures that no person is denied justice at the first and most crucial step, registering a crime.

CONCLUSION

India’s legal framework gives citizens immense power not just to protect themselves but also to ensure fairness and accountability in society. However, rights are only effective when people understand and use them. Whether it’s filing an RTI, demanding equal treatment, ensuring a child’s education, or insisting that police register a complaint, knowing the law gives you confidence and control.

If you ever feel lost navigating legal procedures, modern platforms like TMWala can bridge the gap. From helping you understand rights to guiding you through documentation and complaint filings, such services make legal empowerment accessible to everyone.

Awareness is the first step. Action is the next. And together, they create a stronger, fairer India.

FAQs

1. What is RTI?
   A law that lets citizens ask for information from government offices.
2. How fast must RTI replies come?
   Within 30 days, or 48 hours for urgent matters.
3. What is the Right to Equality?
   Everyone must be treated equally without discrimination.
4. Who gets free education under RTE?
   All children aged 6–14.
5. Can schools charge fees under RTE?
   No, elementary education must be free.
6. What does the Right to Life cover?
   Dignity, privacy, safety, environment, and fair legal processes.
7. Can police refuse to file an FIR?
   No, refusal is punishable by law.
8. What can I do if my FIR isn’t filed?
   Go to senior police officials or approach a Magistrate.
9. Does Article 21 protect against state misuse?
   Yes, it allows citizens to seek inquiry and accountability.
10. How can TMWala help?
    By assisting with legal guidance, documents, and rights awareness.