Which one of the following rights was described by Dr BR Ambedkar as the heart and soul of the Constitution?
A
Right to freedom of religion
B
Right to property
C
Right to equality
D
Right to Constitutional remedies
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation
1. Dr. BR Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, considered Fundamental Rights to be a crucial part of the Constitution.
2. He placed special emphasis on Article 32, which guarantees the Right to Constitutional Remedies (Option D).
3. This right allows individuals to approach the Supreme Court (and High Courts under Article 226) directly for the enforcement of their Fundamental Rights if they are violated.
4. Dr. Ambedkar famously referred to Article 32 as the very 'heart and soul' of the Constitution, stating that without it, the Constitution would be a nullity, as there would be no effective mechanism to enforce the rights granted.
5. While other rights like freedom of religion (A), right to property (B, originally a Fundamental Right, now a legal right), and right to equality (C) are vital, Dr. Ambedkar considered the right to enforce these rights (Article 32) as paramount.