With reference to the Fundamental Rights answer the following:

(a) Why are the Fundamental Rights so called?

(b) State their three characteristic features.

(c) Briefly explain the components of the Right to Equality.

(a) The Fundamental Rights are so called because they are the basic human rights which provide the conditions essential for the all-round development of a human being. Hence, they must be given to every person without any distinction on the basis of caste, creed, sex, colour, religion etc.

(b) The three characteristic features of Fundamental Rights are:

1. They protect people against unjust discrimination.
2. They don't make any distinction between human beings.
3. They can be suspended when the president declares a state of Emergency in the country.

(c) The Right to Equality has political, social and economic components. Following are the components of Right to Equality:

1. Equality before law — Article-14 guarantees both equality before law as well as equality in protection by law irrespective of economic status, caste, colour, creed, religion or sex. Article-15 prohibits discrimination on grounds mentioned above making such discrimination a punishable offence.
2. Equality of Opportunity — Article-16 provides for equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment in an office under the State or Central government. It also allows making of reservations of posts in favour of Scheduled Castes and Tribes by passing a law.
3. Abolition of Untouchability — Article-17 abolishes untouchability and its practice in any form. Any person preventing the other from entering a place of public worship, using a public well or a public transport system, etc. can be punished by law.
4. Abolition of Titles — Article-18 abolishes all titles like Rai Sahib, Khan Bahadur, Maharaja etc. These titles are considered a negation of equal status for all.