Human rights in India

1. Meaning
Human rights are fundamental rights and freedom that belongs to every person in the
world from birth until death.
If a person breaks the law, it can sometimes be restricted.
2. Definition
Section 2(d) of protecting the human rights act defines human rights as relating to life,
equity, and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the constitution or embodied in the
international covenants and enforceable by courts in India.
3. Objectives
a. To protect human beings
b. To develop individual self-respect
c. To value human dignity
d. To promote democracy, social justice, friendship, respect, and understanding
among people and nations.
4. Characteristics
a. Human rights are inalienable
b. Human rights are essential and necessary
c. Human rights are in connection with human dignity
d. Human rights are irrevocable
e. Human rights are necessary for the fulfillment of the purpose of life.
f. Human rights are universal
g. Human rights are never absolute
h. Human rights are dynamic
i. Human rights as the limit to states power
5. Institutions who protect the human rights
a. National human rights institutions
b. State human right institutions
c. NGOs related to National human right commission
6. Sources of human rights
a. Universal declaration of human rights
b. International covenants and treaties
c. International custom
d. Judicial decisions
e. Official documents
7. Kinds of human rights
a. Civil and political rights
Rights contained in the covenants of civil and political come under this category
that see their origin in the 13th century in Magna Carta.
Ex- right to life, liberty, right to privacy, right to freedom
b. Economical and social rights
Economic and social rights are protected in international and regional human
rights instruments. States have a legal obligation to respect, protect and fulfil
economic and social rights.
 Ex- right to education, right to health, right to housing, right to adequate life of
living
c. Collective rights
Individuals are also member of such units, groups and state therefore this law not
only recognizes rights of individuals but also recognizes collective rights
Ex- right to peace and development