The Indian Constitution was passed by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949, and came into effect two months later on 26 January 1950. The original Constitution declares India as a sovereign, democratic, republic Union. A Constitutional amendment in 1976 included the words socialist and secular.

The Indian Constitution (a pdf copy with all amendments can be found by clicking on this link) is very specific in granting fundamental rights to all Indian citizens and in return prescribes minimal duties to ensure harmonious existence of the varied Indian population. While Fundamental Rights are enforcable, Fundamental Duties can only be suggested.      

Fundamental Rights are defined in Part III of the Indian Constitution. The basic rights can be summarised as -

1. Right to Equality

2. Right to Freedom

3. Right against Exploitation

4. Right to Freedom of Religion

5. Cultural and Educational Rights

6. Right to Constitutional Remedies

A summary of the Fundamental Rights is available here

The Fundamental Duties are defined in Part IVA of the Indian Constitution. They are -

It shall be the duty of every citizen of India:

(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem

(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideas which inspired our national struggle for freedom

(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India

(d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so

(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women

(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture

(g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures

(h) to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform

(i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence

(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement

(k) who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years

The Truth About Section 49-O

There is no Section 49-O in the Indian Constitution, as is evidenced by the attached links to the Constitution. However, the Conduct of Election Rules has a Rule 49-O which reads as following:

"If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form 17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule(1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or the thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark."