Write a short note on any two struggles for full enjoyment of citizen rights which have taken place in India in recent years. Which rights were being claimed in each case?

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Two current struggles in India which had full enjoyment of citizen right and people’s participation are:

1. IPC section 377 – in 1861 British government criminalised homosexual sexual activities under section 377 of Indian Penal Code. With a wave of protest and resentment against this section and right for the LGBT community many debates, struggles and reforms were made. In the early January of 2018 the Delhi High Court struck down the provision of article 377 by saying that it violated the fundamental right of life and equality that are guaranteed to a citizen by its constitution. This movement in India which supported the gay and lesbian rights expressed to lead a normal life and demanded decriminalisation of homosexuality by state which was earlier considered as crime. Delhi court has been taken a step forward to decriminalise it.

2. Narmada Bachao Andolan – In 1989 Narmada Bachao Andolan was a big social movement which consisted farmers, Adivasis, human right activist and allied many NGO’s against the several dams being built crosswise Narmada River. Narmada Andolan had its both political and economical effect of the people who were displaced for the construction of the dam. The movement was against building large and high dams which will flood the area, displace the people and harm the natural resources. The movement was to decrease the building of dam and provide displaced people with compensation and rehabilitation. The Supreme Court in March 2008 was called to find resolution in regards with rehabilitation and resettlement. The court ruled the verdict on Narmada Andolan and immediate halt at work was made with proper compensation.

Both the movements are still fighting for people’s human rights and leaving a strong impact on the state ensuring to recognize their struggle and equality. The first movement on LGBT was a movement for freedom of expression, life and security. They wished to lead a life normally like the other citizens. The second movement of Narmada Bachao Andolan focused on the Right to Shelter, food, employment, life security for being the citizens of India.