Directive Principles of State Policy (MH 7)

Legal Studies

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Fundamental Duties

The Fundamental Duties are defined as the moral obligations of all citizens to help promote a spirit of patriotism and to uphold the unity of India. The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.

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Meaning of directive principles

The Directive Principles are the guidelines to be followed by the government in the governance of the country. Part IV of the Constitution has the Directive Principles of State Policy under Articles 36 to 51. They are called Directive Principles because the government has to keep these in mind while making laws.

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Importance of fundamental duties

The Fundamental Duties are enlisted in the Constitution of India:
i) to make the citizens aware of their social and economic obligations.
ii) to warn them as to what to do and what no to do in the interest of their country, other citizens and themselves.
iii) to stir up national harmony.
iv) to tame the uncontrolled elements in the society.

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Importance of Directive Principles

i) They provide a framework, political, economic, and social programme for a modern democratic State.
ii) They give guidelines to the government to make laws and draft their policies.
iii) It acts as a measure to judge a government's performance.
iv) They direct the government to move towards the goal of a Welfare State. They reflect the ideas of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity mentioned in the Preamble. 
v) They enlighten and educate the people of what they can expect from politicians to whom they vote to power.

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Differentiate between directive principles and fundamental rights

Directive PrinciplesFundamental Rights
1. They are provided in Part-IV of the Constitution.They are provided in Part-III of the Constitution. 
2. Not justiciable or enforceable by any court of law.Justiciable. Citizens can seek protection from a High Court or Supreme Court.
3. Meant for the government to create certain privileges for the citizens.They are privileges in existence for the citizens to enjoy.
4. These aim to achieve a welfare state.These aim to establish political democracy.
5. Their scope is wider as they deal with wide range of subjects such as international peace and security.Their scope is limited as they are concerned with individual rights.