As a result of naming sex beside religion, caste and creed in the first clause of the 1931 declaration on the Fundamental Rights of Citizenship, which right did women gain as citizens?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Equality before the law
Option (1) Reserved seats in elected bodies — Incorrect. The first clause gives all citizens the same standing and sets aside no seats for anyone. Reservation for women in elected bodies appears in the chapter as a present-day topic of debate.
Option (2) Equal shares in family property — Incorrect. The first clause is about standing before the law in public life. It is silent on how family property is shared between sons and daughters.
Option (3) Equality before the law — Correct. The first clause declares that all citizens are equal before the law, irrespective of religion, caste, creed or sex. By naming sex in this list, it made women equal to men in the eyes of the law.
Option (4) Protection from domestic violence — Incorrect. Domestic violence appears in the chapter as a women's rights issue of today. The 1931 clause speaks only of equality before the law and gives no such specific protection.
NCERT (2026-27): “5.3 Struggle for women’s equality and rights … “1. All citizens are equal before the law, irrespective of religion, caste, creed or sex.” “2. No disability attaches to any citizen, by reason of his or her religion, caste, creed or sex, in regard to public employment, office of power or honour, and in the exercise of any trade or calling.” |