Question map
Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy : 1. The Principles spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country. 2. The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Both statements are correct.
The Directive Principles are meant for promoting the ideal of social and economic democracy.[1] The Directive Principles of State Policy represent the essence of the social and economic vision that the framers of the Constitution had for India.[2] This validates Statement 1.
Regarding Statement 2, unlike the Fundamental Rights, the directives are non-justiciable in nature, that is, they are not enforceable by the courts for their violation.[1] Therefore, the government (Central, state and local) cannot be compelled to implement them.[3]
They are enumerated in Part IV of the Constitution[1] and the Constitution (Article 37) itself says 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.[3] However, they impose a moral obligation on the state authorities for their application, but the real force behind them is political, that is, public opinion.[4]
Sources- [1] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > IDirective Principles of State Policy > p. 30
- [2] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 10: The Constitution of India — An Introduction > LET'S REMEMBER > p. 220
- [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > FEATURES OF THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 109
- [4] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > SANCTION BEHIND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 111
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis is a 'Gatekeeper Question'—a fundamental concept that every serious aspirant gets right. It tests the core philosophy of the Constitution (Part IV) rather than obscure articles. If you get this wrong, you are statistically out of the race.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Explicitly states the Directive Principles are meant for promoting the ideal of social and economic democracy.
- Says they seek to establish a 'welfare state', directly linking DPSPs to socio-economic objectives.
- Contrasts DPSPs with Fundamental Rights by noting their non‑justiciable/advisory character, clarifying their policy orientation.
- States that Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles are the two wheels to make social and economic democracy true — directly affirming DPSPs' role.
- Highlights specific Directive Principles (e.g., Article 45 on education) as vital to realizing democratic ends.
- Describes the Directive Principles as representing the essence of the social and economic vision of the Constitution's framers.
- Frames DPSPs as the constitutional articulation of socio‑economic aims the state should pursue.
- Explicitly states that unlike Fundamental Rights the Directive Principles are non-justiciable.
- Directly says they are not enforceable by the courts for their violation.
- Describes Directive Principles as non-justiciable in nature.
- Explains that government cannot be compelled to implement them, though courts may consider them when upholding laws.
- States Directive Principles impose a moral/political obligation rather than legal enforceability.
- Explains framers made them non-justiciable and legally non-enforceable.
- [THE VERDICT]: Absolute Sitter. Direct lift from the first page of the DPSP chapter in Laxmikanth or NCERT Class XI (Indian Constitution at Work).
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Nature of the Constitution' theme—specifically the philosophical distinction between Part III (Political Democracy) and Part IV (Socio-Economic Democracy).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Trinity of DPSP Nature': 1) Non-justiciable (Art 37), 2) Fundamental in governance (Art 37), 3) Aim: Welfare State. Also, link the 'Instrument of Instructions' (GoI Act 1935) and the fact that the Constitution *does not* formally classify DPSPs into Socialist/Gandhian/Liberal categories (that is an academic distinction).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not just memorize Article numbers (36-51). You must understand the *intent* of the framers. Why are they non-justiciable? (Lack of financial resources at independence). This logic helps solve statement 2 without rote learning.
Multiple references explicitly describe the Directive Principles as promoting social and economic democracy and the framers' socio‑economic vision.
High‑yield for polity and governance questions: explains constitutional philosophy (welfare state), connects to Fundamental Rights and policy-making, and appears in mains/GS and essays. Prepare by memorising the purpose of Part IV and key examples (education, welfare measures) cited in the text.
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > IDirective Principles of State Policy > p. 30
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY > p. 180
- Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 10: The Constitution of India — An Introduction > LET'S REMEMBER > p. 220
References note that DPSPs are non‑justiciable (not enforceable in court) yet guide state policy and reforms.
Crucial for distinguishing Fundamental Rights from DPSPs in answer writing and for questions on judicial review, implementation and welfare legislation. Study landmark policy measures inspired by DPSPs and the practical implications of non‑justiciability.
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > IDirective Principles of State Policy > p. 30
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > UTILITY OF DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 113
- Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > What do the Directive Principles contain? > p. 43
The text classifies DPSPs into socialistic, Gandhian and liberal‑intellectual groups, useful for thematic analysis.
Useful for structuring answers comparing different strands of constitutional vision (e.g., Gandhian vs socialistic policy). Frequently tested as an empirical fact and aids analytical essays on policy priorities; revise the classification and examples under each head.
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > IDirective Principles of State Policy > p. 30
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > Directive Principles of State Policy > p. 108
Several references state that Directive Principles are non‑justiciable and not enforceable by courts, which directly answers the statement.
High‑yield for UPSC polity questions: knowing that Part IV provisions are generally non‑justiciable helps answer questions on enforceability, separation of powers and remedies. Connects to Fundamental Rights and judicial review. Study approach: memorise Article 37 status and read landmark interpretations illustrating exceptions.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > IDirective Principles of State Policy > p. 30
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > FEATURES OF THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 109
References note courts may consider Directive Principles when assessing constitutionality and adopt harmonious construction with Fundamental Rights.
Important for questions on conflict between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles and how courts resolve such conflicts. Helps answer scenario questions on constitutional validity and limits of judicial enforcement. Preparation: focus on principles of harmonious construction and examples where courts relied on DPs to uphold laws.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > FEATURES OF THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 109
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY > p. 180
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > CONFLICT BETWEEN FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 114
Evidence shows DPs impose moral/political obligations (Article 37) rather than legal enforceability, explaining why they are non‑justiciable.
Useful for essay and mains answers discussing implementation mechanisms: distinguishes legal enforceability from political accountability. Links to topics on state policy, election accountability and amendments. Preparation: remember Article 37 and the practical implications of non‑justiciability.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > SANCTION BEHIND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 111
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > FEATURES OF THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 109
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY > p. 180
The Constitution does NOT contain the classification of DPSPs into 'Socialistic', 'Gandhian', or 'Liberal-Intellectual'. This is a classification added by authors like Laxmikanth for ease of study. A future trap statement could be: 'The Constitution classifies DPSPs into three categories...'
The 'Keyword Swap' Hack: In Polity, 'Political Democracy' is exclusively linked to Fundamental Rights. 'Socio-Economic Democracy' is exclusively linked to DPSP. If a statement swaps these (e.g., 'DPSP ensures political democracy'), it is immediately False.
Mains GS-2 Link: Use DPSP as your 'Introduction/Conclusion' template for Governance answers. E.g., MGNREGA is the realization of Art 41 (Right to Work); Maternity Benefit Act is Art 42. DPSP is the 'Checklist' to evaluate government performance.