Define rights. Why are they necessary in a democracy?

Rights can be defined as the reasonable claims of persons recognised by society and sanctioned by law. Rights are the claims of the persons over the society, over other fellow beings and even over the government.

Rights are needed for the sustenance of democracy. Citizens of a democratic country have the right to vote and choose their leader. Citizens have the right to express their opinion, freedom of speech and right to form political parties and right to take part in political activities. Rights protect the minorities from the oppression of majority.

Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Equality, Right to freedom of Religion are the fundamental rights granted by the Constitution of India.

Rights are necessary to monitor the functioning of the democratic government, to criticise and correct the government in case of its malfunctioning.

Thus, Rights play a major role in democracy.