DPSP & Fundamental Duties (Articles 36–51, 51A)

Toutes les cartes (43)

1. #1

   Recto

   Which Part and Articles deal with Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?

   Verso

   Part IV, Articles 36 to 51.

   Explication

   DPSP are borrowed from the Irish Constitution (which itself borrowed from the Spanish Constitution).

2. #2

   Recto

   Are DPSPs justiciable?

   Verso

   NO. Article 37 explicitly states that DPSPs are NOT enforceable by any court. However, they are 'fundamental in the governance of the country' and the State has a duty to apply them in making laws.

   Explication

   Source: Article 37, Constitution of India. Despite being non-justiciable, DPSPs guide judicial interpretation and policy-making.

3. #3

   Recto

   How are DPSPs classified?

   Verso

   Three categories: (1) SOCIALISTIC principles (Arts 38, 39, 39A, 41, 42, 43, 43A, 47). (2) GANDHIAN principles (Arts 40, 43, 43B, 46, 47, 48). (3) LIBERAL–INTELLECTUAL principles (Arts 44, 45, 48, 48A, 49, 50, 51).

   Explication

   Note: This classification is doctrinal (Laxmikanth) — the Constitution itself doesn't classify them. Articles 43 and 47 appear under multiple categories due to overlapping content.

4. #4

   Recto

   Article 36 — what does it define?

   Verso

   'State' for the purposes of Part IV has the same meaning as in Article 12 (Part III).

   Explication

   Linkage: same definition of 'State' applies to both FRs and DPSPs.

5. #5

   Recto

   Article 38 — what direction does it provide?

   Verso

   The State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order in which justice — social, economic and political — informs all institutions of national life. Article 38(2) [44th Amend, 1978]: minimize inequalities in income, status, facilities, and opportunities.

   Explication

   Foundational welfare-state directive.

6. #6

   Recto

   Article 39 — list the six principles of policy it lists.

   Verso

   (a) Adequate means of livelihood for all citizens. (b) Material resources distributed to subserve the common good. (c) Operation of economic system not resulting in concentration of wealth. (d) Equal pay for equal work for men and women. (e) Health and strength of workers and tender age of children not abused. (f) Children given opportunities to develop in healthy manner; protected against exploitation.

   Explication

   Article 39(b) and 39(c) are the basis of Article 31C (immunity from Articles 14 and 19 if a law gives effect to these). Source: Articles 39, 31C.

7. #7

   Recto

   Article 39A — what does it mandate?

   Verso

   The State shall secure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice on a basis of EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, and shall provide FREE LEGAL AID by suitable legislation/schemes.

   Explication

   Inserted by the 42nd Amendment, 1976. Operationalized by the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (NALSA, SLSAs, DLSAs).

8. #8

   Recto

   Article 40 — what does it require?

   Verso

   The State shall organize VILLAGE PANCHAYATS and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government.

   Explication

   Reflects Gandhian vision. Operationalized by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (Part IX, 11th Schedule).

9. #9

   Recto

   Article 41 — what does it provide?

   Verso

   The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity, secure the right to work, to education, and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement.

   Explication

   Operationalized partly by MGNREGA (right to work, 100 days), Right to Education Act 2009, social security pension schemes.

10. #10

    Recto

    Article 42 — what does it provide?

    Verso

    Just and humane conditions of work, and maternity relief.

    Explication

    Operationalized by Factories Act 1948, Maternity Benefit Act 1961 (amended 2017 to extend leave to 26 weeks).

11. #11

    Recto

    Article 43 — what does it provide?

    Verso

    Living wage, decent standard of life, full enjoyment of leisure, social and cultural opportunities — for all workers (agricultural, industrial, or otherwise).

12. #12

    Recto

    Article 43A — what does it require?

    Verso

    The State shall take steps to secure the participation of WORKERS IN THE MANAGEMENT of undertakings, establishments, or other organizations engaged in any industry.

    Explication

    Inserted by the 42nd Amendment, 1976.

13. #13

    Recto

    Article 43B — what does it require?

    Verso

    The State shall endeavor to promote the voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control, and professional management of CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES.

    Explication

    Inserted by the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011 (along with Part IXB and Article 19(1)(c) addition for forming co-operative societies).

14. #14

    Recto

    Article 44 — what does it propose?

    Verso

    The State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a UNIFORM CIVIL CODE (UCC) throughout the territory of India.

    Explication

    Highly debated. SC has urged Parliament to enact UCC in cases like Shah Bano (1985), Sarla Mudgal (1995), and John Vallamattom (2003). Goa is the only state with a uniform civil code (since Portuguese era).

15. #15

    Recto

    Article 45 — what is its current text and history?

    Verso

    ORIGINAL: 'The State shall endeavor to provide free and compulsory education to all children up to the age of 14 years' (within 10 years). CURRENT (post-86th Amendment, 2002): 'The State shall endeavor to provide EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION for all children until they complete the age of SIX years.'

    Explication

    The 86th Amendment shifted compulsory education for 6–14-year-olds from DPSP (Art 45) to a Fundamental Right under Article 21A.

16. #16

    Recto

    Article 46 — what does it provide?

    Verso

    The State shall PROMOTE THE EDUCATIONAL AND ECONOMIC INTERESTS of the weaker sections — particularly Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes — and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.

17. #17

    Recto

    Article 47 — what does it require?

    Verso

    The State shall regard raising the level of nutrition, standard of living, and improvement of public health as among its primary duties — and shall endeavor to bring about prohibition of consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs (except for medicinal purposes).

    Explication

    Reflects both socialistic and Gandhian principles.

18. #18

    Recto

    Article 48 — what does it require?

    Verso

    The State shall organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines, and shall take steps for preserving and improving breeds — and PROHIBITING THE SLAUGHTER OF COWS, calves, and other milch and draught cattle.

    Explication

    Reflects Gandhian principle. Several states have enacted cow slaughter prevention laws.

19. #19

    Recto

    Article 48A — what does it require?

    Verso

    The State shall endeavor to PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.

    Explication

    Inserted by the 42nd Amendment, 1976. Combined with Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duty to protect environment), forms the constitutional basis for environmental jurisprudence.

20. #20

    Recto

    Article 49 — what does it provide?

    Verso

    The State shall PROTECT EVERY MONUMENT or place or object of artistic or historic interest declared by or under law made by Parliament to be of national importance.

21. #21

    Recto

    Article 50 — what does it require?

    Verso

    The State shall take steps to SEPARATE THE JUDICIARY FROM THE EXECUTIVE in the public services of the State.

    Explication

    Operationalized through the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, which separated executive magistrates from judicial magistrates.

22. #22

    Recto

    Article 51 — what does it require regarding international relations?

    Verso

    The State shall endeavor to: (a) PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL PEACE and security. (b) Maintain JUST AND HONOURABLE RELATIONS between nations. (c) Foster respect for INTERNATIONAL LAW and treaty obligations. (d) Encourage settlement of international disputes by ARBITRATION.

23. #23

    Recto

    Which amendment added Fundamental Duties?

    Verso

    42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.

    Explication

    Inserted Part IVA, containing only Article 51A. Recommendation came from the Swaran Singh Committee, 1976. Initially 10 duties; the 11th was added by the 86th Amendment, 2002.

24. #24

    Recto

    Where are Fundamental Duties placed in the Constitution?

    Verso

    Part IVA, Article 51A.

25. #25

    Recto

    How many Fundamental Duties are there now?

    Verso

    11 Fundamental Duties.

    Explication

    Originally 10, added by 42nd Amendment (1976). The 11th (educating one's child) was added by the 86th Amendment, 2002.

26. #26

    Recto

    List all 11 Fundamental Duties under Article 51A.

    Verso

    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 ideals 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; 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 — forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife — and to have compassion for living creatures. (h) To develop the 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. (k) [86th Amendment, 2002] Who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of 6 and 14 years.

27. #27

    Recto

    Which committee recommended the inclusion of Fundamental Duties?

    Verso

    Sardar Swaran Singh Committee (1976).

    Explication

    Recommended 8 duties; the 42nd Amendment incorporated 10. Later, 86th Amendment added the 11th.

28. #28

    Recto

    Are Fundamental Duties enforceable?

    Verso

    They are NOT directly enforceable in courts (no penalty in the Constitution). However, Parliament can prescribe penalties for non-observance through ordinary law (e.g., Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971).

    Explication

    In AIIMS Students Union v. AIIMS (2002), SC held that FRs and FDs are 'two sides of the same coin' and FDs aid in interpretation of FRs.

29. #29

    Recto

    How are Fundamental Rights and DPSPs different?

    Verso

    FRs (Part III, Arts 12–35): JUSTICIABLE — enforceable in courts; NEGATIVE in nature (restrictions on State); ESTABLISH POLITICAL DEMOCRACY. DPSPs (Part IV, Arts 36–51): NON-JUSTICIABLE — not enforceable in courts; POSITIVE in nature (positive obligations on State); ESTABLISH SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEMOCRACY.

30. #30

    Recto

    What was the position on FR vs DPSP conflict in Champakam Dorairajan (1951)?

    Verso

    In State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan, SC held that FRs PREVAIL over DPSPs in case of conflict; DPSPs cannot override FRs.

    Explication

    Result: 1st Amendment (1951) added Article 15(4) to enable reservations.

31. #31

    Recto

    Article 31C and the FR–DPSP conflict — what is the current position?

    Verso

    Article 31C [25th Amendment, 1971]: Laws giving effect to DPSPs in Articles 39(b) and 39(c) cannot be challenged on grounds of violation of Articles 14 or 19. The 42nd Amendment (1976) extended this to ALL DPSPs, but the extension was struck down in Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980, AIR 1980 SC 1789).

    Explication

    After Minerva Mills, only laws under Art 39(b)/(c) get the 31C protection. SC also held that the harmony between FRs and DPSPs is part of the basic structure.

32. #32

    Recto

    What did the Supreme Court hold in Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980)?

    Verso

    Struck down the 42nd Amendment's extension of Article 31C to all DPSPs. Held that the BALANCE between FRs and DPSPs is part of the BASIC STRUCTURE of the Constitution.

    Explication

    Citation: AIR 1980 SC 1789.

33. #33

    Recto

    What did Kesavananda Bharati (1973) say about FR–DPSP balance?

    Verso

    DPSPs and FRs supplement each other; they should be harmoniously interpreted. The 25th Amendment's Article 31C was upheld but its second part (excluding judicial review) was struck down.

34. #34

    Recto

    Which provisions of the Constitution have been called the 'Conscience of the Constitution'?

    Verso

    Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles together.

    Explication

    Phrase coined by Granville Austin in 'The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation'. He called FRs and DPSPs together as the 'conscience'.

35. #35

    Recto

    Which DPSP did the SC say is 'fundamental in the governance of the country'?

    Verso

    All DPSPs — per Article 37 itself.

    Explication

    Exact wording of Article 37: '...the principles therein laid down are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.'

36. #36

    Recto

    Name three DPSPs added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.

    Verso

    (1) Article 39A — Equal justice and free legal aid. (2) Article 43A — Participation of workers in management of industries. (3) Article 48A — Protection and improvement of environment, forests, wildlife.

    Explication

    The 42nd Amendment also expanded Article 31C (later struck down in Minerva Mills) and added Part IVA (Fundamental Duties).

37. #37

    Recto

    Article 50 vs separation of powers — what's the constitutional position?

    Verso

    Article 50 mandates SEPARATION OF JUDICIARY FROM EXECUTIVE in public services (a DPSP). The Constitution does not strictly enforce separation of powers in the American sense — it follows a parliamentary system with overlapping functions, but separation of judiciary from executive is a directive.

    Explication

    Implemented via CrPC 1973 — distinguishing Executive Magistrates and Judicial Magistrates.

38. #38

    Recto

    Implementation: Which Act gives effect to Article 39A (free legal aid)?

    Verso

    Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

    Explication

    Established National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs), District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), and Taluk Legal Services Committees.

39. #39

    Recto

    Implementation: Which Act gives effect to Article 39 (right to work)?

    Verso

    Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.

    Explication

    Provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment per financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

40. #40

    Recto

    Which 11 Fundamental Duty was added in 2002?

    Verso

    Article 51A(k): It shall be the duty of every parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of 6 and 14 years.

    Explication

    Added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 — same amendment that added Article 21A and modified Article 45.

41. #41

    Recto

    Which Constitution did India borrow DPSPs from?

    Verso

    The Constitution of Ireland (1937), which itself borrowed from the Spanish Constitution.

42. #42

    Recto

    Which Constitution did India borrow Fundamental Duties from?

    Verso

    The Constitution of the former USSR.

    Explication

    Most modern democracies don't have explicit fundamental duties; Indian model is unusual.

43. #43

    Recto

    Cite three landmark cases on Article 21 + DPSPs (the 'positive' reading of FRs).

    Verso

    (1) Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985) — right to livelihood (Art 21) read with Art 39(a) and Art 41. (2) Unni Krishnan v. State of A.P. (1993) — right to education (Art 21) read with Arts 41, 45, 46. (3) M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (multiple) — right to clean environment (Art 21) read with Art 48A.

    Explication

    These cases used DPSPs to expand the meaning of fundamental rights — judicial 'reading-in' technique.