Page:Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India and Ors.pdf/24



19. The petitioners have contended that the impugned restrictions have affected the freedom of movement, freedom of speech and expression and right to free trade and avocation. In this context, we have to first examine the nature of the fundamental rights provided under the Constitution.

20. The nature of fundamental rights under Part III of the Constitution is well settled. The fundamental rights are prescribed as a negative list, so that "no person could be denied such right until the Constitution itself prescribes such limitations". The only exception to the aforesaid formulation is Article 21A of the Constitution, which is a positive right that requires an active effort by the concerned government to ensure that the right to education is provided to all children up to the age of 16 years.

21. The positive prescription of freedom of expression will result in different consequences which our own Constitution has not entered into. Having different social and economic backgrounds and existing on a different scale of development, the human 24