The right of citizens to move freely throughout the territory of India is guaranteed by:

Article 19(1)(d) gives every citizen the right to move freely throughout the territory of India.

Scope of the right:

• A citizen can travel from one state to another and within a state without any internal barriers.
• This promotes the idea of India as one nation, where the whole country is open to every citizen.

What it does not cover:

The right covers movement within India only.

The right to travel abroad is not part of Article 19(1)(d). It was held to be part of personal liberty under Article 21 in the Maneka Gandhi case (1978) and the Satwant Singh Sawhney case (1967).

Reasonable restrictions under Article 19(5):

• The State can restrict this right in the interests of the general public.
• It can also restrict it to protect the interests of any Scheduled Tribe.
• For example, entry of outsiders into some tribal areas is regulated so that tribal culture and land are protected.

Examples of restrictions:

• Inner Line Permits are required for entry into states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur.
• Movement of persons suffering from infectious diseases can be restricted to protect public health.
• Habitual offenders can be externed from an area by the police under certain laws.

Who can claim it:

• Only citizens of India can claim this freedom.
• Foreigners are governed by the Foreigners Act and other laws.

During an emergency:

Article 19 freedoms are suspended during a National Emergency declared on the ground of war or external aggression.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Article 19(1)(b) covers peaceful assembly.
• ✗Article 19(1)(g) covers professions and trade.
• ✗Article 21 covers life and personal liberty.