<P> A state of national emergency has an adverse effect on these rights . Under such a state, the rights conferred by Article 19 (freedoms of speech, assembly and movement, etc .) remain suspended . Hence, in such a situation, the legislature may make laws that go against the rights given in Article 19 . Also, the President may by order suspend the right to move court for the enforcement of other rights as well . </P> <P> Right to equality is an important right provided for in Articles 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the constitution . It is the principal foundation of all other rights and liberties, and guarantees the following: </P> <Ul> <Li> Equality before law: Article 14 of the constitution guarantees that all people shall be equally protected by the laws of the country . It means that the State will treat people in the same circumstances alike . This article also means that individuals, whether citizens of India or otherwise shall be treated differently if the circumstances are different . </Li> <Li> Social equality and equal access to public areas: Article 15 of the constitution states that no person shall be discriminated on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth . Every person shall have equal access to public places like public parks, museums, wells, bathing ghats and temples etc . However, the State may make any special provision for women and children . Special provisions may be made for the advancements of any socially or educationally backward class or scheduled castes or scheduled tribes . </Li> <Li> Equality in matters of public employment: Article 16 of the constitution lays down that the State cannot discriminate against anyone in the matters of employment . All citizens can apply for government jobs . There are some exceptions . The Parliament may enact a law stating that certain jobs can be filled only by applicants who are domiciled in the area . This may be meant for posts that require knowledge of the locality and language of the area . The State may also reserve posts for members of backward classes, scheduled castes or scheduled tribes which are not adequately represented in the services under the State to bring up the weaker sections of the society . Also, there a law may be passed that requires that the holder of an office of any religious institution shall also be a person professing that particular religion . According to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2003, this right shall not be conferred to Overseas citizens of India . </Li> <Li> Abolition of untouchability: Article 17 of the constitution abolishes the practice of untouchability . Practice of untouchability is an offence and anyone doing so is punishable by law . The Untouchability Offences Act of 1955 (renamed to Protection of Civil Rights Act in 1976) provided penalties for preventing a person from entering a place of worship or from taking water from a tank or well . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Equality before law: Article 14 of the constitution guarantees that all people shall be equally protected by the laws of the country . It means that the State will treat people in the same circumstances alike . This article also means that individuals, whether citizens of India or otherwise shall be treated differently if the circumstances are different . </Li>

What do you understand by term fundamental rights as given in our constitution