Which Fundamental Right in the Constitution of India guarantees equal access for all citizens to public places such as shops, bathing ghats, hotels and places of public entertainment?

Introduction / Context:
The Constitution of India seeks to eliminate social discrimination and ensure that all citizens have equal access to public spaces and facilities. This is especially important in a society historically affected by caste and other forms of exclusion. The question asks you to identify under which group of Fundamental Rights the guarantee of equal access to shops, bathing ghats, hotels and similar public places is provided, testing your understanding of equality related provisions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The question refers to equal access to public places like shops, bathing ghats, hotels and places of public entertainment.
These protections are connected with prohibiting discrimination on specific grounds such as religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
The options provide four categories of Fundamental Rights: personal liberty, freedom of religion, equality and cultural and educational rights.

Concept / Approach:
Article 15 of the Constitution is part of the Right to Equality group and specifically prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Article 15(2) states that no citizen shall, on these grounds, be subject to any disability, liability, restriction or condition with regard to access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment, or the use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats and roads maintained wholly or partly out of state funds. Therefore, the correct classification is under the Right to Equality, not under the other rights groups.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Fundamental Rights related to equality are primarily contained in Articles 14 to 18. Step 2: Article 15 prohibits discrimination by the state and, in clause (2), by private individuals in certain contexts, particularly with regard to access to shops, hotels, public entertainment and public facilities like wells and bathing ghats. Step 3: This provision is clearly an equality measure, ensuring that no citizen is denied access to these public spaces based on specified prohibited grounds. Step 4: The Right to Liberty and Personal Freedom usually refers to Article 21 and related rights concerning life and personal liberty, not specifically to equal access to public places. Step 5: Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25 to 28) covers religious practices and religious institutions but does not directly frame equal access to public facilities as a religious right. Step 6: Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29 and 30) protect the interests of minorities in maintaining their language, script and culture, and establishing educational institutions, not general access to shops and hotels. Step 7: Therefore, the guarantee of equal access to shops, bathing ghats and hotels clearly falls within the Right to Equality.

Verification / Alternative check:
When summarising Fundamental Rights, polity textbooks often give examples under Article 15(2) about entry into restaurants, hotels, public entertainment venues and use of public wells and tanks. These are always discussed under the Right to Equality heading, reinforcing that the relevant right is equality, not religion or cultural rights. This consistent presentation confirms the classification.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Right to Liberty and Personal Freedom: Although liberty is important, the specific bar on discrimination in access to public places is addressed under equality provisions, not under the general liberty article. Right to Freedom of Religion: This set of rights concerns religious belief and worship, not general socio economic access to public facilities for all citizens. Cultural and Educational Rights: These rights focus on protecting minority culture and educational institutions, and do not explicitly deal with public access to shops and hotels.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse equality related provisions with religious or cultural rights because social practices like exclusion at temples or ghats may have religious overtones. However, the Constitution tackles these as equality issues by banning discrimination in public facilities. To avoid confusion, remember that Articles 14 to 18, including Article 15(2), together make up the Right to Equality, and equal access to shops and bathing ghats belongs there.

Final Answer:
Equal access for all citizens to public places such as shops, bathing ghats and hotels is guaranteed under the Fundamental Right of Right to Equality.