In the Constitution of India, which Fundamental Right prohibits trafficking of human beings, forced labour and employment of children below 14 years of age?

Introduction / Context:

The Constitution of India does not merely state high ideals; it also addresses specific social evils that were widespread at the time of independence. One such group of abuses was human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation of children in work. This question examines your understanding of which particular Fundamental Right targets these practices and provides constitutional protection against them. For Indian Polity examinations, recognising the precise grouping of these provisions is extremely important.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject is the Fundamental Rights chapter of the Constitution of India.
• The focus is on trafficking, forced labour, and employment of children below 14 years of age.
• The options list several categories of Fundamental Rights such as equality, freedom, exploitation, and religion.
• You are expected to know which category directly addresses these exploitative practices.

Concept / Approach:

The Constitution groups related rights together in logical clusters. The Right against Exploitation specifically covers Articles that prohibit trafficking, forced labour and child labour. Article 23 prohibits trafficking in human beings and forced labour, while Article 24 prohibits employment of children below 14 years in factories, mines and other hazardous employments. These Articles are grouped under the heading Right against Exploitation, making that the correct Fundamental Right in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

As a quick verification, remember that the Right to Equality concerns prohibition of discrimination and equality before law, the Right to Freedom covers freedoms such as speech, movement, and occupation, and the Right to Freedom of Religion deals with religious practices. None of these headings is directly framed around exploitation. Standard Indian Polity reference books and bare acts of the Constitution clearly show the title Right against Exploitation above Articles 23 and 24. This confirms that trafficking, forced labour, and child labour come under this specific Fundamental Right.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A, Right to Equality, covers topics such as equality before law and prohibition of discrimination, but does not centrally focus on trafficking or forced labour. Option B, Right to Freedom, addresses liberties like speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession, and is not specifically about labour exploitation. Option D, Right to Freedom of Religion, guarantees freedom of conscience and religious practices and is not connected to ban on trafficking or child labour. Therefore, these options do not correctly describe the group of Articles that address exploitation directly.

Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes confuse the Right against Exploitation with the Right to Equality because both appear to deal with injustice and unfair treatment. Another common mistake is to think that protections for labour and children might be part of Directive Principles of State Policy rather than Fundamental Rights. While labour welfare does appear in Directive Principles, the absolute bans on trafficking, forced labour, and child labour in hazardous jobs are Fundamental Rights and are justiciable in courts. Remembering the exact heading Right against Exploitation helps to avoid confusion.

Final Answer:

The Fundamental Right that prohibits trafficking, forced labour, and employment of children below 14 years of age is the Right against Exploitation.