1. Freedom of Association:
Provision: Article 19(1)(c) grants all citizens the right "to form associations or unions or co-operative societies."
Significance: This freedom is essential for the functioning of a democratic society, allowing citizens to come together for common purposes such as forming clubs, societies, political parties, companies, NGOs, or trade unions.
Restrictions: Under Article 19(4), this freedom can be restricted on the grounds of sovereignty and integrity of India, public order, and morality. This means that associations with objectives considered seditious or which incite violence, for instance, can be legitimately restricted or banned.
2. Freedom of Movement:
Provision: Article 19(1)(d) ensures every citizen of India the right "to move freely throughout the territory of India."
Significance: This provision enables citizens to move without undue hindrance across the country. Such mobility is crucial for various reasons, including economic opportunities, cultural exchange, and personal liberty.
Restrictions: Article 19(5) allows the State to impose restrictions on this right in the interests of the general public or for the protection of the interests of any Scheduled Tribe. For instance, certain areas might be restricted due to security concerns, or to protect tribal populations from external disruptions.
3. Freedom of Residence:
Provision: Article 19(1)(e) grants every citizen the right "to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India."
Significance: This right emphasizes the idea of India as a single entity, wherein a citizen of one part of the country has the right to reside in another, fostering national integration and cohesion.
Restrictions: As with the freedom of movement, restrictions on the freedom of residence can be placed based on the interests of the general public or for the protection of Scheduled Tribes, as per Article 19(5). These restrictions might manifest in the form of regulations on buying property in certain areas or regions to protect the local demographic balance or ecosystem.
It's worth noting that while these freedoms are fundamental rights, the Constitution acknowledges the need to balance individual freedoms with broader societal and national interests, hence the provision for reasonable restrictions. Over the years, various judgments by the Indian judiciary have further refined the interpretation and scope of these rights in the context of contemporary challenges and issues.
