With reference to the Right against Exploitation, consider the following statements

1. Article 23 of the Constitution prohibits traffic in human beings, begar (forced labour) and other similar forms of forced labour without any exception.
2. The Fundamental Right under Article 24 is available only to citizens and not to foreigners.

Select the correct statement.

Both statements are incorrect.

• Article 23 prohibits traffic in human beings, begar (forced labour) and other similar forms of forced labour. This right is available to both citizens and non-citizens. It protects the individual not only against the State but also against private persons. 
• Article 23 also provides for an exception to this provision. It permits the State to impose compulsory service for public purposes, as for example, military service or social service, for which it is not bound to pay. However, in imposing such service, the State is not permitted to make any discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste or class. 
• Article 24 prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years in any factory, mine or other hazardous activities like construction work or railway. But it does not prohibit their employment in any harmless or innocent work. It is available to both citizens and foreigners (except enemy aliens).

Hence option 4th is correct.

By: Shubham Tiwari