NCERT Class 11 Political Science India Constitution at Work: Chapter 2 — Indian Constitution at Work
This chapter, 'Rights in the Indian Constitution,' from the NCERT Class 11 Political Science textbook 'India Constitution at Work,' delves into the Fundamental Rights enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution. It explains that a constitution not only structures government but also limits its powers and guarantees citizens' rights. The chapter highlights the importance of these rights by presenting real-life cases, such as the exploitation of construction workers denied minimum wages and the tragic case of Machal Lalung, who spent 54 years in custody without a trial. These examples illustrate how the violation or non-implementation of constitutional rights can have severe consequences. Students will learn about the various Fundamental Rights, their protection mechanisms, the judiciary's role in their interpretation, and the distinction between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy, crucial for understanding democratic governance and individual liberties in India.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Political Science |
| Book | India Constitution at Work |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Indian Constitution at Work |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 508 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify the Fundamental Rights listed in the Indian Constitution.
- Understand the mechanisms for protecting Fundamental Rights.
- Recognize the role of the judiciary in interpreting and safeguarding rights.
- Differentiate between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Constitution | A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed. |
| Fundamental Rights | Basic human rights granted to citizens, enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution. |
| Begar | Forced labour or unpaid labour. |
| Exploitation | The action or fact of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work. |
| Minimum Wages | The lowest remuneration that employers must legally pay their workers. |
| Under trial | A person held in custody awaiting trial. |
| Judicial custody | Imprisonment or detention under the order of a court. |
| Life and liberty | Fundamental right to live and be free, encompassing various aspects of personal freedom. |
| Fair and speedy trial | The right to have a trial that is just and conducted without undue delay. |
| Directive Principles of State Policy | Guidelines or principles given to the Union and State governments to be kept in mind while formulating laws and policies. |
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Practice questions
- What is the main purpose of a constitution, as mentioned in the introduction? Answer: A constitution sets limits on the powers of the government and ensures a democratic system where all persons enjoy certain rights.
- What is 'begar' or forced labour? Answer: 'Begar' or forced labour is the practice of employing a person to work for less than the minimum prescribed wage.
- What fundamental right was violated in the case of the construction workers? Answer: The fundamental right against exploitation was violated, as they were made to work for less than the minimum wages.
- What happened in the case of Machal Lalung? Answer: Machal Lalung was arrested, found mentally unstable, and spent 54 years in judicial custody without his case ever coming up for a fair and speedy trial.
- What does the right to 'life and liberty' imply? Answer: The right to 'life and liberty' implies that every citizen must have the right to a fair and speedy trial.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Part three of the Indian Constitution lists which of the following?
Explanation: Part three of the Indian Constitution specifically enumerates the Fundamental Rights guaranteed to citizens.
Q2. The case of construction workers involved a violation of which fundamental right?
Explanation: The workers were paid less than minimum wages, which amounts to forced labour and violates the Right against Exploitation.
Q3. Machal Lalung spent how many years in custody without his case being heard?
Explanation: Machal Lalung spent 54 years in judicial custody during which his case never came up for hearing.
Q4. The right to a 'fair and speedy trial' is an aspect of which fundamental right?
Explanation: The right to life and liberty encompasses the right to a fair and speedy trial, ensuring justice without undue delay.
Q5. Who intervened to release Machal Lalung after decades in custody?
Explanation: A team appointed by the National Human Rights Commission intervened after an inspection of undertrials, leading to Machal Lalung's release.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary function of a constitution regarding government power?
A constitution sets limits on the powers of the government and ensures a democratic system.
Where are the Fundamental Rights listed in the Indian Constitution?
The Fundamental Rights are listed in Part three of the Constitution of India.
What is 'begar' and which fundamental right does it violate?
'Begar' is forced or unpaid labour. It violates the Fundamental Right against exploitation.
What does the right to 'life and liberty' guarantee to citizens?
It guarantees that every citizen must have the right to a fair and speedy trial.
What can happen if constitutional rights are not available in practice?
If constitutional rights are not available in practice, it can lead to severe injustices and the wasting of individuals' lives, as seen in the case of Machal Lalung.
What role does the judiciary play concerning Fundamental Rights?
The judiciary plays a crucial role in protecting and interpreting these rights, ensuring they are upheld in practice.
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NCERT Class 11 Political Science — India Constitution at Work — Chapter 2 — Indian Constitution at Work. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.