UPSC Prelims 2020 Question:

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:

Explanation:

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are mentioned in Part IV of the Indian Constitution from Articles 36 to 51. They are inspired from the Constitution of Ireland. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar described these principles as 'novel features' of the Constitution. It deals with the principles that the State should keep in mind while formulating policies and enacting laws.
  
  

• They are similar to the instrument of instructions. The only difference is that they are instructions to the legislature and the executive.
  
  
• They constitute a very comprehensive economic, social and political programme for a modern democratic State which aimed at realising the high ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity as outlined in the Preamble to the Constitution. They embody the concept of a ‘welfare state’ that was absent during the colonial era.
  
  
• They are non-justiciable in nature, which means that they are not legally enforceable by the courts for their violation. So, statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct.
  
  
• They help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional validity of a law. The Constitution under Article 37 states 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. So, statement 3 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Polity | Directive Principles of State Policy