Democratic Rights CBSE Notes Class 9 Political Science Chapter 5

Class 9th - Civics - Democratic Rights

Life without Rights

Let’s take 3 examples which will help you understand what it means to live in the absence of rights.

1) Guantanamo Bay

1. The American government secretly imprisoned about 600 people, captured globally by US forces, in Guantanamo Bay, a region controlled by the American navy.
2. The government accused them of being enemies of the United States and of involvement in the 9/11 attacks in New York City.
3. Most prisoners’ families were not informed until the news spread through the media.
4. The prisoners were not allowed to approach courts in their own countries.

2) Citizen’s Rights in Saudi Arabia

1. A king rules Saudi Arabia; common citizens cannot elect their leader.
2. The king appoints the legislature, executive, and judiciary, giving him control over dismissing judges.
3. Citizens cannot form political parties, and media faces restrictions against publishing material disapproved by the Monarch.
4. Non-Muslims must practice their religion privately, as public displays are not allowed.
5. The testimony of one man is considered equal to that of two women; women face numerous public restrictions.

3) Ethnic Massacre in Kosovo

1. Yugoslavia’s population was mostly Albanian, but the country’s majority was Serbs.
2. Serbian leader Milosevic implemented hostile treatment and violence against Albanians.
3. The aim was for Serbs to dominate and make ethnic minorities submit to their authority or leave the country.

Rights in a Democratic Nation

1. People want to live free from fear and mistreatment, with mutual respect for each other's rights.
2. A right is valid when it equally applies to all and is recognized by society.
3. Rights are based on societal acceptance and evolve over time.
4. Conditions for a valid claim as a "right":
   1. Reasonable and justifiable claims
   2. Recognized by society
   3. Aligned with legal standards

Rights of Indian Citizens

1) Right to Constitutional Remedies

1. Citizens can approach the court if fundamental rights are denied.

2) Right to Equality

1. Law applies equally to all, regardless of status; this is the foundation of democracy.
2. No discrimination based on religion, sex, caste, birthplace, or race.
3. Equal access to public places and opportunities in government employment.

3) Right to Freedom

1. Freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, forming associations, movement, residence, and profession.
2. Freedom must not infringe upon others’ rights.

4) Right Against Exploitation

1. Protection from human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor in harmful occupations.

5) Right to Freedom of Religion

1. Every citizen has the right to profess, practice, and propagate their religion.
2. Secular state: No official religion, and practices harming others in the name of religion are not allowed.

6) Cultural and Educational Rights

1. Minorities can preserve their language and culture.
2. Cannot be denied admission based on religion or language in government-supported institutions.
3. Minorities can establish and manage their educational institutions.