Fundamental rights are a set of basic and essential rights that are guaranteed to every citizen of India under the Indian Constitution. They are essential because they protect the rights of individuals against arbitrary actions of the state and ensure that individuals have freedom and dignity. The significance of fundamental rights lies in the fact that they ensure that the citizens are entitled to live with dignity, free speech and expression, protection against discrimination, and equal opportunity. Additionally, these rights protect citizens from the state's potential abuse of power. The government of India ensures that fundamental rights are upheld in the Indian polity by creating a framework of laws, regulations and policies. Furthermore, to ensure the protection of fundamental rights, judiciary and the Supreme Court of India has been empowered to be the watchdog of the rights bestowed upon the citizens.

• Fundamental rights are essential to protect citizens from state actions which interfere with dignity and liberty.
• They safeguard the freedom, expression and association of individuals
• Prevent arbitrary actions from the state against the individual
• Redress of the victims whose rights have been violated
• Ensure that individuals get equal opportunities in all aspects of life regardless of their background and characteristics

Thus, fundamental rights serve as the cornerstone of the Indian Constitution and the importance of their protection cannot be overstated.