Fundamental Rights absolute nahi hote. Constitution khud kehta hai ki State kuch situations me “reasonable restrictions” laga sakta hai. Yeh word important hai – restriction hona chahiye reasonable, arbitrary nahi.
Example: Freedom of speech. Aapko apni opinion rakhne ka right hai, lekin aap public order disturb karne, hatred spread karne, defamation karne ya sovereignty–integrity ke against slogan dene ka legal right nahi rakhte. Aise cases me government laws bana sakti hai jo aapki speech ko punish kare.
Freedom of movement bhi reasonable restrictions ke subject hai. Epidemic ke time pe lockdown, curfew, containment zones – yeh sab isi concept se justify hote hain. Objective yeh hota hai ki larger public interest protect ho.
Court check karta hai ki:
- Restriction clear law ke through laga hai ya nahi,
- Public purpose genuine hai ya nahi,
- Restriction disproportionate toh nahi (zyada harsh toh nahi).
Agar restriction mindlessly, mala fide ya political vendetta ke basis pe ho, to courts usko strike down kar sakte hain. Is balance ki wajah se system democratic bhi rehta hai aur completely free-for-all bhi nahi banta.