Rights are essentially an entitlement or a justified claim. They denote what we are entitled to as citizens, as individuals and as human beings. A right is something that we consider to be due to us, and something that the rest of society must recognise as being a legitimate claim that must be upheld. However, there is a distinction between what we want and think we are entitled to, and what can be designated as rights.

Rights are important because they represent conditions that we collectively see as a source of self-respect and dignity. Rights are primarily those claims that we along with others regard to be necessary for leading a life of respect and dignity. For example, the right to livelihood is considered necessary for leading a life of dignity as being gainfully employed gives a person economic independence. Having our basic needs met gives us freedom to pursue our talents and interests.

Rights are also important because they enable freedom of expression, which gives us the opportunity to be creative and original. Freedom of expression is also important for democratic government since it allows for the free expression of beliefs and opinions. Rights place some limits on the authority of the state.

The bases on which claims to rights can be made are as follows: First, rights are claimed on the ground that they represent conditions that we collectively see as a source of self-respect and dignity. Second, rights may be claimed on the basis that they are considered to be of basic importance. Third, in some cases, claims gain importance because of the particular history and customs of a country. For instance, in India, we have a provision to ban untouchability which draws attention to a traditional social practice.

It is important to note that while legal and constitutional recognition gives rights a special status in society, it is not the basis on which rights are claimed. Rights have steadily been expanded and reinterpreted to include previously excluded groups and to reflect our contemporary understanding of what it means to lead a life of dignity and respect.