Indian Polity : Directive Principles Of State Policy & Fundamental Duties

Q 6 / 23

UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

With reference to the provisions contained in part IV of the constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. They shall be enforceable by courts
  2. They shall not be enforceable by any court
  3. The principles laid down in this part are to influence the making of laws by the state

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (d)

Part IV of the Indian Constitution, comprising Articles 36 to 51, outlines the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

  • Statement 2 is correct: Article 37 explicitly states that the provisions contained in Part IV shall not be enforceable by any court. This renders the DPSPs non-justiciable, meaning individuals cannot approach courts for their implementation.
  • Statement 3 is correct: Article 37 further mandates that these principles are fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. This signifies their role in guiding legislative and executive actions of the state.

Incorrect Options

  • Statement 1 is incorrect: Contrary to this statement, Article 37 clearly specifies that DPSPs are not enforceable by courts. They represent a moral and political obligation on the State rather than legally enforceable rights.
  • Option (a) 1 only is incorrect because statement 1 is false.
  • Option (b) 2 only is incorrect because while statement 2 is true, statement 3 is also true, making this option incomplete.
  • Option (c) 1 and 3 only is incorrect because statement 1 is false.
SOURCEIndian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, Chapter 8: Directive Principles of State Policy