Question map
In the context of India, which one of the following is the correct relationship between Rights and Duties ?
Explanation
The correct answer is option A because rights and duties of the citizens are correlative and inseparable[2]. This fundamental principle underlies the Indian Constitution's approach to balancing individual freedoms with social responsibilities. The Indian Constitution attempts to strike a balance between individual liberty and social control[3], demonstrating that rights cannot exist in isolation from duties.
Option B is incorrect because rights are not independent of society and duties—they are correlative and inseparable from them. Option C is wrong because it presents a false dichotomy; both rights and duties are important, not rights alone. Similarly, option D is incorrect as it overemphasizes duties at the expense of rights, whereas the Constitution recognizes the equal importance of both in maintaining a balanced democratic framework. The relationship between rights and duties is one of mutual dependence, where each complements and gives meaning to the other.
Sources- [1] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 10: Fundamental Duties > Fundamental Duties > p. 119
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 10: Fundamental Duties > Fundamental Duties > p. 119
- [3] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties IJl > p. 119
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis is a 'Laxmikanth Verbatim' question. The phrase 'rights and duties... are correlative' is the opening sentence of the Fundamental Duties chapter in Laxmikanth. It proves that reading the introductory conceptual paragraphs is as vital as memorizing the articles themselves.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Under the Indian Constitution, are rights correlative with duties?
- Statement 2: Under the Indian Constitution, are rights considered personal and independent of society and duties?
- Statement 3: Under the Indian Constitution, are rights (rather than duties) regarded as important for the advancement of the personality of the citizen?
- Statement 4: Under the Indian Constitution, are duties (rather than rights) regarded as important for the stability of the State?
- Explicitly states that 'the rights and duties of the citizens are correlative and inseparable.'
- Contrasts original Constitution (only fundamental rights) with later inclusion of duties, providing context for the correlative claim.
- Shows Fundamental Duties are incorporated in Article 51A, confirming duties are part of the constitutional scheme alongside rights.
- Provides concrete constitutional location and enumeration of duties, supporting the view that duties exist as counterparts to rights.
- States that the Constitution specifies both the rights and duties of individual citizens, indicating a paired treatment.
- Supports the claim that rights and duties are both addressed by the constitutional text.
- Directly states that life and personal liberty are not creations of the Constitution and inhere in each individual.
- Frames rights as intrinsic and inseparable parts of the human element, supporting the proposition that rights are personal.
- Explains that constitutional rights are dynamic and progressive and 'evolve with the evolution of a society', indicating they are shaped by society.
- This shows rights are not wholly independent of society and its development (thus qualifying the claim of independence).
- Describes the Indian Constitution as 'essentially a social document' and goal-oriented towards social transformation.
- Supports the view that constitutional rights are embedded in a social vision and connected to societal duties and aims, not entirely independent.
Explicitly poses 'Rights are correlative with Duties' as an option, implying a recognized relation between rights and duties in Indian polity discussions.
A student could take this proposition and compare constitutional text/case law to see whether rights are routinely described as correlative with duties.
States that rights and duties of citizens are 'correlative and inseparable' and notes the original Constitution listed rights but not citizen duties.
One could use this rule to check constitutional provisions (Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles) to assess whether rights are framed as independent of duties.
Says the Constitution 'attempts to strike a balance between individual liberty and social control', linking individual rights to social order.
A student might examine restrictions in rights-clauses (e.g., reasonable restrictions) to see how social control limits 'personal' rights.
Explains that Indian liberalism is tied to social justice (e.g., reservations), showing rights are implemented with social duties/aims, not purely individualistic.
Use this to test whether constitutional measures (positive discrimination) indicate rights are conditioned by social obligations and collective goals.
Defines freedom as absence of constraints but notes we live in society and lists specific freedoms guaranteed to citizens, implying freedoms operate within social context.
A student could compare these listed freedoms with statutory or constitutional limits to judge whether they are independent of societal duties.
- Explicitly notes the original Constitution contained fundamental rights but not fundamental duties.
- States framers did not feel it necessary to incorporate citizens' duties, implying emphasis on rights.
- Contrasts duties of the State (Directive Principles) with absence of citizen duties, indicating priority to rights.
- Describes rights as 'of basic importance' and highlights their legal/constitutional recognition.
- Explains that legal endorsement gives rights a special status in society, supporting their importance.
- States the Constitution 'protects the rights of all citizens', underscoring protection and priority of rights.
- Mentions citizens are also expected to follow duties, which implies duties are secondary to constitutional protection of rights.
- Explicitly states the Constitution balances individual rights with the need for security of the State.
- Warns that unrestrained rights can produce an atomistic society harmful to common welfare, implying State/security considerations (and hence duties/limitations) are prioritized for stability.
- Notes that fundamental rights are made subject to legislative control and may be excluded where national security, integrity or welfare demand it — a direct link to privileging State stability over absolute rights.
- States the Constitution attempts to strike a balance between individual liberty and social control, indicating duties/social obligations are part of maintaining order.
- Frames the need for social control as a constitutional feature, which supports the view that duties contribute to State stability.
- Declares the Constitution as a guidebook that protects rights but also says citizens are expected to follow fundamental duties, showing duties are constitutionally foregrounded.
- The expectation that citizens follow duties supports their role in supporting social/political stability.
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct lift from M. Laxmikanth (Chapter: Fundamental Duties, Introduction) and NCERT Political Theory Class XI.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The philosophical relationship between Part III (Rights) and Part IV-A (Duties) – specifically the concept that rights are not absolute licenses but come with social obligations.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: 1. Gandhi's view: 'Real rights are a result of performance of duty.' 2. Verma Committee (1999): Identified legal provisions implementing duties (e.g., Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act). 3. Swaran Singh Committee: Recommended penalties for non-compliance (rejected by Govt). 4. 86th Amendment: Added the 11th duty (Education). 5. Legal vs. Moral Duties distinction.
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Stop treating Polity as just a list of Articles. UPSC asks about the 'Nature' of provisions (e.g., 2017 Rights vs Duties, 2018 Liberty vs Law). Always read the 'Significance' and 'Criticism' sections in standard texts to understand the *spirit* of the law.
Directly linked to the statement: one source explicitly calls rights and duties 'correlative and inseparable', making this the central conceptual claim to master.
High-yield for UPSC because questions often probe the relationship between individual rights and obligations. Understanding this helps answer interpretative questions on Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, and balancing individual/state interests; useful for essays, polity mains and interview discussions.
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 10: Fundamental Duties > Fundamental Duties > p. 119
The presence and text of Fundamental Duties is direct evidence that duties are constitutional counterparts to rights.
Important for factual and analytical questions: know Article 51A, its insertion (42nd Amendment) and number/content of duties. Connects to amendment history, DPSP and debates on enforceability—common UPSC themes in polity and governance.
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > Fundamental Duties. > p. 161
One source notes duties of the State are in the form of Directive Principles while citizens' duties were later added — highlighting different constitutional placements of duty-related norms.
Valuable for answering questions on the interplay between Fundamental Rights, DPSPs and Fundamental Duties; helps in framing answers on enforceability, normative obligations and the constitutional scheme. Enables comparative and analytical questions in mains and interviews.
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 10: Fundamental Duties > Fundamental Duties > p. 119
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > Fundamental Duties. > p. 161
Several references state that citizens' rights and duties are correlative and inseparable, directly bearing on whether rights can be 'independent' of duties.
High-yield for questions on Fundamental Rights vs Fundamental Duties and their relationship; helps answer conceptual questions about limits on rights and reciprocal obligations. Connects to topics on enforceability and constitutional obligations and enables answers explaining why rights are not absolute.
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 10: Fundamental Duties > Fundamental Duties > p. 119
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 10: Fundamental Duties > Fundamental Duties > p. 119
The Constitution is described as attempting to strike a balance between personal freedom and social control, implying rights are not wholly detached from societal needs.
Crucial for GS and polity answers on reasonable restrictions, Article 19 limitations, and the state's role; helps frame essays/answers contrasting individual rights with public order, security and social welfare.
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties IJl > p. 119
- Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 10: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > Check your progress > p. 227
Evidence notes the original Constitution listed only Fundamental Rights, introduced State duties as DPSPs, and later incorporated Fundamental Duties—relevant to the rights-vs-duties debate.
Important for questions on constitutional amendments (e.g., 42nd/44th/86th), comparative constitutions, and the enforceability distinction between rights, duties and DPSPs; helps explain why duties complement rights in constitutional design.
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 10: Fundamental Duties > Fundamental Duties > p. 119
Reference evidence shows the original Constitution listed fundamental rights but omitted fundamental duties for citizens.
High-yield for UPSC: explains constitutional design choices and the normative emphasis on individual rights. Connects to questions on constitutional intent, amendments (like 42nd/44th/86th), and comparative constitutions. Enables answers contrasting citizen duties with state obligations and tracing later additions of duties.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 10: Fundamental Duties > Fundamental Duties > p. 119
The Swaran Singh Committee (1976) recommended that failure to observe Fundamental Duties should be punishable by law, and that 'Duty to pay taxes' should be included. Both were REJECTED by the Congress government and did not make it into the 42nd Amendment.
Apply the 'Harmony Rule'. Options B, C, and D are 'Exclusionary' or 'Extreme' (Independent of society; Rights NOT duties; Duties NOT rights). The Indian Constitution (Minerva Mills case doctrine) always seeks a *balance* or *harmony*. Option A is the only one that bridges the two concepts rather than pitting them against each other.
Mains GS-4 (Ethics) & Essay: This concept is the definition of 'Dharma' in Indian ethos—duty-based society vs. rights-based society. Use this correlation to argue against 'Rights without Responsibilities' in essays regarding protests, civic sense, or environmental protection.