In the Constitution of India, the granting of fundamental rights to citizens primarily aims at ensuring which core aspect of individual liberty and democratic governance?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Protection and promotion of individual liberty and dignity

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Fundamental rights are a central feature of the Constitution of India. They are placed in Part III of the Constitution and are enforceable through constitutional remedies. These rights are meant to protect citizens from arbitrary state action and to secure a minimum sphere of freedom in which individuals can live with dignity. The core objective behind granting fundamental rights is not merely to list attractive promises on paper, but to ensure real individual liberty in day to day life. Examinations often test whether learners understand that the primary aim of fundamental rights is to safeguard individual freedom, not to directly implement socialism or other policy goals.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question refers to the Constitution of India and its fundamental rights in Part III.
- Fundamental rights are justiciable and enforceable in a court of law.
- The options mention different possible aims such as socialism, judiciary, individual liberty and Directive Principles of State Policy.
- We assume normal contemporary understanding of Indian constitutional law as developed through case law and textbooks.


Concept / Approach:
The correct approach is to recall the basic philosophy behind Part III. Fundamental rights are designed to maintain a balance between state authority and individual freedom. They protect civil liberties such as equality, freedom of speech, freedom of movement and freedom of religion. While they indirectly support democratic institutions and welfare policies, their direct and primary focus is on individual liberty and the protection of human dignity from state interference. Therefore we must select the option that most clearly reflects this core purpose.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Read the question carefully and note that it asks for the primary aim of granting fundamental rights.Step 2: Recall that Part III of the Constitution lists rights such as equality, freedom, protection against exploitation, freedom of religion and cultural and educational rights.Step 3: Understand that these rights safeguard the individual against arbitrary state action and guarantee personal freedom and dignity.Step 4: Evaluate each option in light of this core purpose and eliminate those which focus on other objectives like socialism or administrative structure.Step 5: Conclude that protection and promotion of individual liberty and dignity most accurately captures the aim.


Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative way to check the answer is to recall important Supreme Court judgments. Courts repeatedly describe fundamental rights as the soul of the Constitution and as guarantees of individual liberty. They are also described as limitations on state power. These descriptions confirm that the primary purpose of fundamental rights is to secure liberty and dignity for individuals, not to directly enforce policy goals like socialism or Directive Principles. This cross check supports our selected option.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Establishment of a fully socialistic government in India is related more to Directive Principles and economic policies rather than the immediate purpose of Part III, so option A is not correct. Effective functioning of an independent judiciary is a structural feature, ensured through separate provisions and not the core aim of granting rights, so option B is not correct. Implementation of Directive Principles of State Policy is guided mainly by Part IV, and while rights and principles are complementary, the specific purpose of Part III is not to implement Directive Principles, so option D is incorrect. Creation of a powerful unitary executive is contrary to the idea of limiting state power, hence option E is clearly wrong.


Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse the broad goals of the Constitution, such as establishing a socialistic pattern of society or securing justice and equality, with the narrower legal purpose of fundamental rights. Another common mistake is to think that because courts enforce rights, the aim of rights is to create an independent judiciary, which is actually achieved by other constitutional provisions. Some students also mix up Directive Principles and fundamental rights, forgetting that rights are primarily defensive shields for individuals, while principles are guiding directions to the state.


Final Answer:
Protection and promotion of individual liberty and dignity is the primary aim of granting fundamental rights to citizens in the Constitution of India.

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