Question

UPSC Prelims 2017 Question:

Which of the following statements is/are true of the Fundamental Duties of an Indian citizen?

  1. A legislative process has been provided to enforce these duties. 
  2. They are correlative to legal duties.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1. 1 only
  2. 2. 2 only
  3. 3. Both 1 and 2
  4. 4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4: Neither 1 nor 2

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

  • The Fundamental Duties are the duties of the citizens towards the State and were incorporated under Part IVA after the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1946 on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.

  • Like the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), the Fundamental Duties are also non-justiciable. However, the Parliament is free to enforce them by suitable legislation. But no legislative process has been clearly provided in the Constitution. So, statement 1 is not correct.

  • The Constitution does not provide for their direct enforcement by the courts. Moreover, there is not legal sanction against their violation. Given that it is not enforceable, it cannot be treated at par with Legal Duties. So, statement 2 is not correct.


Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Knowledge Box

51A. Fundamental Duties.—It shall be the duty of every citizen of India—

(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;

(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;

(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;

(d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;

(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;

(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;

(g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures;

(h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;

(i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;

(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement; ]

(k) who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years.]

Subject: Polity | Fundamental Duties

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