Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect β˜… Bookmarked
Loading…
Q88 (IAS/2020) Polity & Governance β€Ί Fundamental Rights, DPSP & Fundamental Duties β€Ί Directive Principles framework Official Key

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. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Result
Your answer: β€”  Β·  Correct: D
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 4 (2 and 3 only) based on the provisions of Article 37 of the Indian Constitution.

According to Article 37, the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) contained in Part IV are not enforceable by any court. This makes statement 1 incorrect and statement 2 correct. Unlike Fundamental Rights, a citizen cannot approach the judiciary to seek their implementation through writs.

However, the same Article explicitly declares 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 confirms that statement 3 is correct. The DPSP serves as a moral and political guide for the legislature and executive to ensure social and economic justice. Therefore, while they lack legal enforceability, they possess significant constitutional value in shaping national policy.

How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
54%
got it right
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full view
Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. With reference to the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1…
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 Β· 0/10

This is a non-negotiable 'Sitter'. It tests the foundational definition of DPSP found in Article 37. If you get this wrong, you are statistically out of the race because 95% of serious aspirants will mark this correctly in under 30 seconds.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Are the provisions in Part IV of the Constitution of India (Directive Principles of State Policy) enforceable by courts?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > IDirective Principles of State Policy > p. 30
Presence: 5/5
β€œa IDirective Principles of State Policy According to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Directive Princ iples of State Policy is a 'novel feature' of the Indian Constitution. They are enumerated in Part IV of the Constitution. They ca n be classified into three broad categoriessocia listic, Gandhian and liberal-intell ectual. The Directive Principles are meant for promoting the ideal of social and economic democracy. They seek to establish a 'welfare state' in India. However, unlike the Fundamental Rights, the directives are 11011 justiciable in nature, that is, they are not enforceable by the courts for their violation.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states Directive Principles are not justiciable and are not enforceable by courts.
  • Contrasts Directive Principles with Fundamental Rights to highlight non-enforceability.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > FEATURES OF THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 109
Presence: 5/5
β€œenforceable by the courts for their violation. Therefore, the government (Central, state and local) cannot be compelled to implement them. Nevertheless, 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. 5. The Directive Principles, though nonjusticiable in nature, help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional validity of a law. The Supreme Court has ruled many a time that in determining the constitutionality of any law, if a court finds that the law in question seeks to give effect to a Directive Principle, it may consider such law to be 'reasonable' in relation to Article 14 (equality before law) or Article 19 (six freedoms) and thus save such law from unconstitutionality.”
Why this source?
  • Says the Directive Principles are non-justiciable in nature and government cannot be compelled to implement them.
  • Notes Article 37 makes them fundamental in governance but not enforceable, while courts may consider them when assessing constitutionality.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY > p. 177
Presence: 5/5
β€œPART IV of the Constitution [Articles 36-51] contains the Directive Principles of State Policy. Classification of the Directives. As shown in Table VI, these principles may be classified under several groups: (i) Certain ideals, particularly economic, which, according to the framers of the Constitution, the State] should strive for. (ii) Certain directions to the Legislature and the Executive intended to show in what manner the State should exercise their legislative and executive powers. (iii) Certain rights of the citizens, which shall not be enforceable by the courts like the "Fundamental Rights" are, but which the State shall nevertheless aim at securing, by regulation of its legislative and administrative policy.”
Why this source?
  • Defines Part IV (Articles 36–51) and states certain rights there shall not be enforceable by the courts like Fundamental Rights.
  • Classifies Directives as goals the State should aim to secure but not judicially enforceable.
Statement 2
Are the provisions in Part IV of the Constitution of India (Directive Principles of State Policy) not enforceable by any court (i.e., non-justiciable)?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 34: HOW THE CONSTITUTION HAS WORKED > INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA > p. 485
Presence: 5/5
β€œ13 : . (c) This duty would extend even to the implementation of the "Directive Principles" in Part IV, which were not enforceable by any court according to the Constitution itself [Article 37]. 3> .. . , Novel trends in Judicial Review: Judicial activism.”
Why this source?
  • Directly states that the Directive Principles in Part IV were not enforceable by any court and links this to Article 37.
  • Presents the constitutional basis (Article 37) for treating these provisions as non-justiciable.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > IDirective Principles of State Policy > p. 30
Presence: 5/5
β€œa IDirective Principles of State Policy According to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Directive Princ iples of State Policy is a 'novel feature' of the Indian Constitution. They are enumerated in Part IV of the Constitution. They ca n be classified into three broad categoriessocia listic, Gandhian and liberal-intell ectual. The Directive Principles are meant for promoting the ideal of social and economic democracy. They seek to establish a 'welfare state' in India. However, unlike the Fundamental Rights, the directives are 11011 justiciable in nature, that is, they are not enforceable by the courts for their violation.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly contrasts Directive Principles with Fundamental Rights, saying the former are non-justiciable and not enforceable by courts.
  • Identifies Part IV as the location of these non-enforceable directives.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > SANCTION BEHIND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 111
Presence: 4/5
β€œThus, they impose a moral obligation on the state authorities for their application, but the real force behind them is political, that is, public opinion. As observed by Alladi. Krishna Swamy Ayyar, 'no ministry responsible to the people can afford light-heartedly to ignore the provisions in Part IV of the Constitution'. Similarly, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar said in the Constituent Assembly that 'a government which rests on popular vote can hardly ignore the Directive Principles while shaping its policy. If any government ignores them, it will certainly have to answer for that before the electorate at the election time'. The framers of the Constitution made the Directive Principles non-justiciable and legally non-enforceable because: β€’ 1.”
Why this source?
  • Explains the framers' intent: Directive Principles impose moral/political obligations rather than legally enforceable duties.
  • States that the framers made the Directive Principles non-justiciable and legally non-enforceable.
Statement 3
Are the principles laid down in Part IV of the Constitution of India (Directive Principles of State Policy) intended to influence the making of laws by the State?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > SANCTION BEHIND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 111
Presence: 5/5
β€œSir B.N. Rau, the Constitutional Advisor to the Constituent Assembly, recommended that the rights of an individual should be divided into two categoriesβ€”justiciable and non-justiciable, which was accepted by the Drafting Committee. Consequently, the fundamental Rights, which are justiciable in nature, are incorporated in Part III and the Directive Principles, which are non-justiciable in nature, are incorporated in Part IV of the Constitution Though the Directive Principles are nonjusticiable, the Constitution (Article 37) makes it clear 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'.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly cites Article 37 saying the Directive Principles are 'fundamental in the governance of the country' and it is the duty of the State to apply them in making laws.
  • Direct legal provision linking Part IV principles to legislative action by the State.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > FEATURES OF THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 108
Presence: 5/5
β€œ1. The phrase 'Directive Principles of State Policy' denotes the ideals that the State should keep in mind while formulating policies and enacting laws. These are the constitutional instructions or recommendations to the State in legislative, executive and administrative matters. According to Article 36, the term 'State' in Part IV has the same meaning as in Part III dealing with Fundamental Rights. Therefore, it includes the legislative and executive organs of the central and state governments, all local authorities and all other public authorities in the country. β€’ 2. The Directive Principles resemble the 'Instrument of Instructions' enumerated in the Government of India Act of 1935.”
Why this source?
  • Defines Directive Principles as ideals the State should keep in mind when formulating policies and enacting laws.
  • Clarifies that 'State' includes legislative and executive organs, tying the directives to lawmaking authorities.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY > p. 177
Presence: 4/5
β€œPART IV of the Constitution [Articles 36-51] contains the Directive Principles of State Policy. Classification of the Directives. As shown in Table VI, these principles may be classified under several groups: (i) Certain ideals, particularly economic, which, according to the framers of the Constitution, the State] should strive for. (ii) Certain directions to the Legislature and the Executive intended to show in what manner the State should exercise their legislative and executive powers. (iii) Certain rights of the citizens, which shall not be enforceable by the courts like the "Fundamental Rights" are, but which the State shall nevertheless aim at securing, by regulation of its legislative and administrative policy.”
Why this source?
  • Classifies some Directives as directions to the Legislature and the Executive on how the State should exercise legislative and executive powers.
  • Frames the Directives as intended guidance for the manner of lawmaking and administration.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC Polity questions often focus on 'Definitions' and 'Constitutional Intent' rather than obscure sub-clauses. They test if you understand *why* a provision exists (e.g., to establish a Welfare State) and its legal standing (Article 37).
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct lift from Laxmikanth Chapter 9 (Features of DPSP) and the bare text of Article 37.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Nature of the Constitution'β€”specifically the distinction between Justiciable Rights (Part III) and Non-Justiciable Duties of the State (Part IV).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Nature' triad: Part III (Justiciable), Part IV (Non-justiciable but Fundamental in governance), Part IV-A (Non-justiciable duties). Key Case Laws: Champakam Dorairajan (1951 - FR prevails), Golaknath (1967), Kesavananda Bharati (1973), Minerva Mills (1980 - Balance is basic structure). Amendments adding DPSPs: 42nd (39A, 43A, 48A), 44th (38 clause 2), 97th (43B).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not just memorize the list of Articles (36-51). UPSC consistently asks about the *utility* and *legal status* of these parts. Always read the first 2 pages of the Laxmikanth chapter (Features/Classification) with higher intensity than the articles themselves.
Concept hooks from this question
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ Non-justiciability of Directive Principles (Article 37)
πŸ’‘ The insight

Directive Principles are constitutionally non-justiciable and not enforceable by the courts; Article 37 declares them fundamental in governance but not legally enforceable.

High-yield for UPSC: explains the basic legal status of Part IV and distinguishes Directive Principles from Fundamental Rights; connects to questions on constitutional duties, the limits of judicial review, and legislative policy-making. Mastery enables answers on enforceability, the role of Article 37, and state obligations.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > FEATURES OF THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 109
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > IDirective Principles of State Policy > p. 30
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are the provisions in Part IV of the Constitution of India (Directive Principles..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ Interaction between Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights
πŸ’‘ The insight

Courts cannot directly enforce Directive Principles but may consider them when upholding or interpreting laws that affect Fundamental Rights.

Crucial for doctrinal questions and case-law analyses: helps answer conflict-resolution scenarios, reasonableness tests under Articles 14/19, and instances where legislation is saved because it advances Directive Principles. Useful for essay and polity mains answers on balancing rights and policy goals.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • 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 > The Supreme Court of India in National Legal Services Authority v UOI, observed: > p. 186
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are the provisions in Part IV of the Constitution of India (Directive Principles..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ Political and moral sanction behind Directive Principles
πŸ’‘ The insight

Directive Principles impose a moral and political obligation on the State and rely primarily on public opinion and democratic accountability rather than judicial enforcement.

Important for conceptual and governance questions: explains why Directives were made non-justiciable, their role in policy formation, and their electoral/political enforcement mechanisms. Links to topics on welfare state ideals and legislative responsibility.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • 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. 108
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are the provisions in Part IV of the Constitution of India (Directive Principles..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Non-justiciability of Directive Principles (Article 37)
πŸ’‘ The insight

Directive Principles in Part IV are constitutionally non-enforceable in courts; Article 37 declares them non-justiciable.

High-yield for constitutional law questions distinguishing Fundamental Rights from Directive Principles; helps answer questions on enforceability, Articles of the Constitution, and the scope of judicial review. Links to topics on constitutional interpretation and the role of Articles 32/226 versus Article 37.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 34: HOW THE CONSTITUTION HAS WORKED > INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA > p. 485
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > IDirective Principles of State Policy > p. 30
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are the provisions in Part IV of the Constitution of India (Directive Principles..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Duty of the State vs. Legal Enforceability
πŸ’‘ The insight

Directive Principles are 'fundamental in governance' and impose a duty on the State to apply them, even though they are not legally enforceable by courts.

Crucial for answering questions on legislative policy-making, constitutional duties of the State, and conflicts between policy directives and enforceable rights; connects to amendment history and balancing socio-economic reforms with Fundamental Rights.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • 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 34: HOW THE CONSTITUTION HAS WORKED > INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA > p. 485
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are the provisions in Part IV of the Constitution of India (Directive Principles..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Judicial Role: Consideration and Practical Enforcement
πŸ’‘ The insight

Although non-justiciable as such, courts may consider Directive Principles when assessing constitutionality and have sometimes issued directives to governments in proper cases.

Useful for questions on judicial activism, remedies, and inventive uses of constitutional provisions; explains how courts use Directive Principles in interpretation and occasional enforcement through directions rather than direct justiciability.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > The Supreme Court of India in National Legal Services Authority v UOI, observed: > p. 186
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > FEATURES OF THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 109
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are the provisions in Part IV of the Constitution of India (Directive Principles..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S3
πŸ‘‰ Article 37 β€” Duty to apply Directive Principles in lawmaking
πŸ’‘ The insight

Article 37 makes Directive Principles fundamental to governance and imposes on the State a duty to apply them in making laws.

High-yield constitutional provision: mastering Article 37 explains why non-justiciable principles still shape legislation. It links to questions on justiciability, legislative intent and constitutional interpretation, and helps answer essay and mains questions on the State's obligations under Part IV.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • 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. 108
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are the principles laid down in Part IV of the Constitution of India (Directive ..."
πŸŒ‘ The Hidden Trap

The 'Instrument of Instructions': The DPSP resembles the Instrument of Instructions enumerated in the Government of India Act of 1935. Also, while DPSP is non-justiciable, the 'Fundamental Duties' (Part IV-A) are also non-justiciable, but courts can use them to determine the constitutional validity of a law (just like DPSP).

⚑ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'UCC Reality Check': If Statement 1 ('Enforceable by courts') were true, any citizen could sue the government today for not implementing the Uniform Civil Code (Article 44). Since we know UCC is not yet applicable and citizens cannot force it via writ, Statement 1 must be False. This eliminates options A and C immediately.

πŸ”— Mains Connection

Mains GS-2 Link: DPSP is the blueprint for 'Welfare State' policies. Connect Article 47 (Nutrition/Public Health) to Ayushman Bharat/POSHAN Abhiyaan. Connect Article 41 (Right to Work) to MGNREGA. Connect Article 40 (Panchayats) to the 73rd Amendment. This transforms static Polity into dynamic Governance answers.

βœ“ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-I Β· 2017 Β· Q118 Relevance score: 6.30

Which one of the following statements relating to the Directive Principles of State Policy is not correct?

IAS Β· 2024 Β· Q4 Relevance score: 5.32

Which of the following statements are correct about the Constitution of India ? 1. Powers of the Municipalities are given in Part IX A of the Constitution. 2. Emergency provisions are given in Part XVIII of the Constitution. 3. Provisions related to the amendment of the Constitution are given in Part XX of the Constitution. Select the answer using the code given below :

CAPF Β· 2011 Β· Q20 Relevance score: 4.77

Which of the following statements regarding the Fundamental Duties as contained in the Constitution of India is/are correct ? 1. They can be enforced through writ jurisdiction. 2. They have formed a part of the Constitution since its adoption. 3. They arc applicable only to citizens of India, Select the correct answer using the code given below :

IAS Β· 2019 Β· Q81 Relevance score: 4.75

With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements : 1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to be constitutionally invalid. 2. An amendment to the Constitution of India cannot be called into question by the Supreme Court of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

CDS-I Β· 2024 Β· Q81 Relevance score: 4.30

Consider the following statements: 1. Under Part III of the Constitution of India, individuals can enforce rights guaranteed by this Part when they are violated by the action of a government authority. 2. Under Part III of the Constitution of India, individuals can enforce rights guaranteed by this Part when they are violated by not only the action of a government authority, but also by its inaction.