Describe the civil Rights of the citizens enjoyed in a modern democratic country.

 

 

The civil rights of the citizen enjoyed in a modern democratic country are described below:

(i) Right to life : In the modern times each state not only grants its citizens the right to life, but also protects the life of the individuals. Every individual is given the right to self-defence. An individual cannot be allowed to commit suicide. The life of an individual is not only his property but it is the property of the state also. The individual cannot be permitted to do any harm to the property of the state. According to this right the state guarantees the protection of the life of its citizens. 

(ii)Right to personal liberty: The citizens are also given the right to personal liberty. The individual is given complete liberty for the development of his personality. The government cannot arrest anybody arbitrarily. Nobody can be deprived of his life, liberty and property without a breach of law established in an ordinary court of law. An individual enjoys complete freedom so far as he obeys the laws of the state. A person can be arrested only when he violates the law of the state. He can be punished only when the charge against him is established in the court. The police cannot keep anybody in its custody more than 24 hours without the permission of the judge.

(iii)Right to equality : In the modern civilized state the citizens are also given the right to equality. Equality is the basis of democracy. All the citizens are considered equal in all aspects of life. Equality does not mean that the income of all the individuals should be equal or all of them should have the same status in life. Equality means that all the individuals should enjoy equal opportunities and nobody should be discriminated against on the basis of sex, caste, creed and colour, blood and religion.

(iv)Right to freedom of movement : A citizen has the right to freedom of movement and settlement in any part of the country. He cannot be restricted by any exercise of power. This way every citizen can settle at a place which he likes and where he can have his business. Nobody can be compelled to leave a certain place.

(v)Right to freedom of thought and expression : Freedom of speech is a valuable right. In all free countries citizens have the right to speak out honestly what view they may hold. Freedom of press is included in his right of free expression of opinion and is merely the right to publish and print what a man can carefully speak. Citizens can criticise government measures even severely. Freedom of speech and expression helps to create an enlightened public opinion.

(vi)Right to form associations : The individuals are given the right to assemble and form associations in order to promote their interests. Man is a social animal and performs all his functions in co-operation with others. He forms so many associations in society in order to achieve certain ends. The citizens are given with the freedom to form social, political, economic and cultural associations. The state should not interfere the functioning of these associations. The citizens form various types of professional associations, for example, trade unions and commercial associations.