DPSP & Fundamental Duties
Constitution Special · DPSP और मूल कर्तव्य · 18 facts
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are in Part IV of the Constitution, Articles 36-51, and are non-justiciable (not enforceable by courts).
DPSPs are borrowed from the Irish Constitution (Ireland) and aim to establish a welfare state in India.
Gandhian DPSPs include Articles 40 (Gram Panchayats), 43 (cottage industries), 46 (SC/ST promotion), 47 (nutrition & health), and 48 (cow protection).
Socialist DPSPs include Articles 39 (equal pay for equal work), 41 (right to work), 42 (maternity relief), and 43 (living wage for workers).
Liberal-Intellectual DPSPs include Article 44 (Uniform Civil Code), Article 45 (early childhood care), and Article 50 (separation of judiciary from executive).
Fundamental Duties are in Part IV-A, Article 51-A of the Constitution — they were added by the 42nd Amendment 1976 on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee.
Originally 10 Fundamental Duties were added in 1976; the 11th duty (provide opportunities for education to children aged 6-14) was added by the 86th Amendment 2002.
There are currently 11 Fundamental Duties under Article 51-A. They are not justiciable but are referred to by courts in interpreting laws.
Fundamental Duty: to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
Fundamental Duty: to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Fundamental Duty: to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
Fundamental Duty: to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India.
Fundamental Duty: to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
Fundamental Duty: to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife.
Fundamental Duty: to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
Article 37 states that DPSPs shall not be enforceable by any court, but they are fundamental in the governance of the country.
In Minerva Mills (1980), the Supreme Court held that Fundamental Rights and DPSPs are complementary — neither can be sacrificed for the other.
Fundamental Duty 51-A(h): to develop scientific temper — makes India one of few countries with scientific temper as a constitutional duty.