UPSC Prelims 2002 Q58: Indian Polity – Fundamental Rights
Which one of the following rights was described by Dr
B. R. Ambedkar as the heart and soul of the Constitution?
- (a) Right to freedom of religion
- (b) Right to property
- (c) Right to equality
- (d) Right to Constitutional remedies
Answer: (d) Right to Constitutional remedies
Explanation
Right called the heart and soul of the Constitution by Ambedkar
| Right | Position |
|---|---|
| Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32) | Called 'the heart and soul of the Constitution' by Dr Ambedkar |
| Right to equality | Articles 14-18 |
| Right to freedom of religion | Articles 25-28 |
| Right to property | Was a fundamental right until 1978; now Article 300A |
Dr B. R. Ambedkar said that if he were asked to name any particular article of the Constitution as the most important, he would name Article 32, the Right to Constitutional Remedies, 'the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it'.
Answer: (d) Right to Constitutional remedies.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Ambedkar did not describe freedom of religion this way.
- (b) Incorrect. Equality is important but was not the right so described.
- (c) Incorrect. The right to property is not the right described this way.
- (d) CORRECT. Ambedkar described Article 32 as the heart and soul.
Key point
Article 32 lets a person go to the Supreme Court directly; the Court issues writs (habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, quo warranto).
Remember
Article 32: heart and soul of the Constitution.
Common mistakes
- Choosing equality as the most basic right.
- Not linking Ambedkar with Article 32.
- Treating the right to property as fundamental today.
Exam tip
Ambedkar + heart and soul = Article 32.
Sources
- Constituent Assembly Debates, 9 December 1948
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity