Question map
In relation to the fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution of India, which one of the following is NOT correct ?
Explanation
The Fundamental Duties were not part of the original 1950 Constitution; they were introduced by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976 [3]. Article 51A(i) specifically mandates citizens to safeguard public property and abjure violence [5]. These duties are non-justiciable and cannot be enforced through writs like mandamus. However, the statement in Option 4 is incorrect because the judiciary does use Fundamental Duties to determine the constitutionality of laws. The Supreme Court has established that if a law seeks to give effect to a Fundamental Duty, it may be considered 'reasonable' in relation to Article 14 or 19, thereby helping to sustain its constitutional validity. They serve as an essential aid to judicial interpretation and are read in conjunction with Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.
Sources
- [1] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > Exceptions to Funda· mental Rights. > p. 95
- [2] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > Fundamental Duties of citizens > p. 44
- [3] https://sansadtv.nic.in/episode/in-depth-fundamental-duties-in-india-article-51a-15-november-2024
- [4] https://ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in/lawp03/chapter/fundamental-duties-under-indian-constitution/
- [5] https://api.sci.gov.in/pdf/AnnualReports/The%20Constitution%20at%2067.pdf