Fundamental Duties | Polity for UPSC 2024 (Pre & Mains) PDF Download

 Page 1


 
 
• The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the
Singh Committee that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
eleven by the 86th Amendment in 2002
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provide
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years.
• The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the
Constitution of erstwhile USSR
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of
citizens. The socialist countries, on the contrary, gave equal
to the fundamental rights and duties of their citizens.
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
Rights that states, “Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
the free and full development of his personality is possible.”
• Fundamental duties are 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
sanction either to prevent their viola
fundamental duties can be gauged from the following facts:
• As rights and duties are the 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
one’s fundamental rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
individual has no respect for what is expected of him b
citizen of the country. 
• They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
admit of two constructions.
 
FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES: 
The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the
that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
86th Amendment in 2002, which added a duty on every 
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provide
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years.
The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the
erstwhile USSR. Japanese Constitution is, perhaps, the 
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of
citizens. The socialist countries, on the contrary, gave equal 
to the fundamental rights and duties of their citizens. Further the chapter 
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
“Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
the free and full development of his personality is possible.” 
Fundamental duties are obligatory in nature. But there is no provision in 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
sanction either to prevent their violation. However the importance of 
fundamental duties can be gauged from the following facts:  
As rights and duties are the two sides of the same coin, it is expected that 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
individual has no respect for what is expected of him by the state as a 
citizen of the country.  
They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
admit of two constructions.  
The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the Swaran 
that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
, which added a duty on every 
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provided 
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years. 
The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the 
perhaps, the 
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of duties of 
 importance 
Further the chapter 
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
“Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
in nature. But there is no provision in 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
tion. However the importance of 
, it is expected that 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
y the state as a 
They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
Page 2


 
 
• The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the
Singh Committee that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
eleven by the 86th Amendment in 2002
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provide
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years.
• The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the
Constitution of erstwhile USSR
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of
citizens. The socialist countries, on the contrary, gave equal
to the fundamental rights and duties of their citizens.
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
Rights that states, “Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
the free and full development of his personality is possible.”
• Fundamental duties are 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
sanction either to prevent their viola
fundamental duties can be gauged from the following facts:
• As rights and duties are the 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
one’s fundamental rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
individual has no respect for what is expected of him b
citizen of the country. 
• They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
admit of two constructions.
 
FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES: 
The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the
that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
86th Amendment in 2002, which added a duty on every 
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provide
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years.
The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the
erstwhile USSR. Japanese Constitution is, perhaps, the 
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of
citizens. The socialist countries, on the contrary, gave equal 
to the fundamental rights and duties of their citizens. Further the chapter 
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
“Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
the free and full development of his personality is possible.” 
Fundamental duties are obligatory in nature. But there is no provision in 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
sanction either to prevent their violation. However the importance of 
fundamental duties can be gauged from the following facts:  
As rights and duties are the two sides of the same coin, it is expected that 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
individual has no respect for what is expected of him by the state as a 
citizen of the country.  
They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
admit of two constructions.  
The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the Swaran 
that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
, which added a duty on every 
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provided 
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years. 
The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the 
perhaps, the 
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of duties of 
 importance 
Further the chapter 
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
“Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
in nature. But there is no provision in 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
tion. However the importance of 
, it is expected that 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
y the state as a 
They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
 
• While determining the constitutionality 
seeks to give  effect to any of the duties, it may consider such law to be 
“reasonable”, and thereby , save  such law from unconstitutionality.
• Fundamental Duties in the Constitution
• According to Article 51 A, 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 that inspired the national 
struggle for freedom; 
(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do
so; 
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amon
all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or
sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of
women; 
(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of the country
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 scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and
reform; 
(i) to safeguard public property and to abjure
(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective
activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour
and achievement; and
(k) to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between 
age of six and fourteen years.
? Characteristics of Fundamental Duties:
 
While determining the constitutionality of any law, if court finds that it 
seeks to give  effect to any of the duties, it may consider such law to be 
“reasonable”, and thereby , save  such law from unconstitutionality.
Fundamental Duties in the Constitution: 
According to Article 51 A, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India:
(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the
nd the National Anthem; 
(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national 
 
(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amon
the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or
sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of
(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite 
t and improve the natural environment including forests, 
rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures;
(h) to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and
(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 endeavour
and achievement; and 
(k) to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between 
age of six and fourteen years. 
Characteristics of Fundamental Duties: 
, if court finds that it 
seeks to give  effect to any of the duties, it may consider such law to be 
“reasonable”, and thereby , save  such law from unconstitutionality. 
According to Article 51 A, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India: 
(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the 
(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national 
(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 
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst 
the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or 
sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of 
s composite 
t and improve the natural environment including forests, 
rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures; 
(h) to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and 
(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective 
activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour 
(k) to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the 
Page 3


 
 
• The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the
Singh Committee that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
eleven by the 86th Amendment in 2002
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provide
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years.
• The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the
Constitution of erstwhile USSR
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of
citizens. The socialist countries, on the contrary, gave equal
to the fundamental rights and duties of their citizens.
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
Rights that states, “Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
the free and full development of his personality is possible.”
• Fundamental duties are 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
sanction either to prevent their viola
fundamental duties can be gauged from the following facts:
• As rights and duties are the 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
one’s fundamental rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
individual has no respect for what is expected of him b
citizen of the country. 
• They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
admit of two constructions.
 
FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES: 
The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the
that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
86th Amendment in 2002, which added a duty on every 
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provide
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years.
The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the
erstwhile USSR. Japanese Constitution is, perhaps, the 
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of
citizens. The socialist countries, on the contrary, gave equal 
to the fundamental rights and duties of their citizens. Further the chapter 
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
“Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
the free and full development of his personality is possible.” 
Fundamental duties are obligatory in nature. But there is no provision in 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
sanction either to prevent their violation. However the importance of 
fundamental duties can be gauged from the following facts:  
As rights and duties are the two sides of the same coin, it is expected that 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
individual has no respect for what is expected of him by the state as a 
citizen of the country.  
They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
admit of two constructions.  
The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the Swaran 
that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
, which added a duty on every 
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provided 
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years. 
The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the 
perhaps, the 
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of duties of 
 importance 
Further the chapter 
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
“Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
in nature. But there is no provision in 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
tion. However the importance of 
, it is expected that 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
y the state as a 
They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
 
• While determining the constitutionality 
seeks to give  effect to any of the duties, it may consider such law to be 
“reasonable”, and thereby , save  such law from unconstitutionality.
• Fundamental Duties in the Constitution
• According to Article 51 A, 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 that inspired the national 
struggle for freedom; 
(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do
so; 
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amon
all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or
sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of
women; 
(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of the country
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 scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and
reform; 
(i) to safeguard public property and to abjure
(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective
activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour
and achievement; and
(k) to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between 
age of six and fourteen years.
? Characteristics of Fundamental Duties:
 
While determining the constitutionality of any law, if court finds that it 
seeks to give  effect to any of the duties, it may consider such law to be 
“reasonable”, and thereby , save  such law from unconstitutionality.
Fundamental Duties in the Constitution: 
According to Article 51 A, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India:
(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the
nd the National Anthem; 
(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national 
 
(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amon
the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or
sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of
(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite 
t and improve the natural environment including forests, 
rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures;
(h) to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and
(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 endeavour
and achievement; and 
(k) to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between 
age of six and fourteen years. 
Characteristics of Fundamental Duties: 
, if court finds that it 
seeks to give  effect to any of the duties, it may consider such law to be 
“reasonable”, and thereby , save  such law from unconstitutionality. 
According to Article 51 A, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India: 
(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the 
(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national 
(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 
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst 
the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or 
sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of 
s composite 
t and improve the natural environment including forests, 
rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures; 
(h) to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and 
(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective 
activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour 
(k) to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the 
 
1. Combination of moral and civic dutie
2. They contain a codification of tasks integ
life  
3. Fundamental Duties are confined to
4. Non-Justiciable
• Value and Significance of Fundamental Duties:
a) They serve as a reminder t
rights, they should also be conscious of duties they owe to their country, 
their society and to their fellow citizens.
 b) They serve as a warning against the anti
activities like burning the
on. 
 c) They serve as a source of inspiration for the citizens and promote a 
sense of discipline and commitment among them. They create a feeling 
that the citizens are no mere 
realisation of national goals
d) They help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional 
validity of a law. In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled that in determining 
the constitutionality of any law, if a court finds that the law in question 
seeks to give effect to a fundamental duty, it may consider such law to 
'reasonable' in relation to Article 14 (equal
(six freedoms) and thus save such law from unconstitutionality. 
e) They are enforceable by law. Hence, the Parliament can provide for the 
imposition of appropriate penalty or punishment for failure to fulfill any 
of them. 
? The Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties of the Citizens (1999) 
identified the existence of legal provisions for the implementation of 
some of the Fundamental Duties. They are mentioned below:
 
Combination of moral and civic duties essentially 
a codification of tasks integral to the Indian way o
Fundamental Duties are confined to citizens only 
Justiciable 
Value and Significance of Fundamental Duties: 
a) They serve as a reminder to the citizens that while enjoying their 
rights, they should also be conscious of duties they owe to their country, 
their society and to their fellow citizens. 
b) They serve as a warning against the anti-national and antisocial 
activities like burning the national flag, destroying public property and so 
c) They serve as a source of inspiration for the citizens and promote a 
sense of discipline and commitment among them. They create a feeling 
that the citizens are no mere spectators but active participants in the 
realisation of national goals  
They help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional 
law. In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled that in determining 
the constitutionality of any law, if a court finds that the law in question 
seeks to give effect to a fundamental duty, it may consider such law to 
'reasonable' in relation to Article 14 (equality before law) or Article 19 
(six freedoms) and thus save such law from unconstitutionality. 
They are enforceable by law. Hence, the Parliament can provide for the 
imposition of appropriate penalty or punishment for failure to fulfill any 
Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties of the Citizens (1999) 
identified the existence of legal provisions for the implementation of 
some of the Fundamental Duties. They are mentioned below: 
ral to the Indian way of 
o the citizens that while enjoying their 
rights, they should also be conscious of duties they owe to their country, 
national and antisocial 
national flag, destroying public property and so 
c) They serve as a source of inspiration for the citizens and promote a 
sense of discipline and commitment among them. They create a feeling 
spectators but active participants in the 
They help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional 
law. In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled that in determining 
the constitutionality of any law, if a court finds that the law in question 
seeks to give effect to a fundamental duty, it may consider such law to  be 
ity before law) or Article 19 
(six freedoms) and thus save such law from unconstitutionality.  
They are enforceable by law. Hence, the Parliament can provide for the 
imposition of appropriate penalty or punishment for failure to fulfill any 
Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties of the Citizens (1999) 
identified the existence of legal provisions for the implementation of 
Page 4


 
 
• The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the
Singh Committee that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
eleven by the 86th Amendment in 2002
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provide
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years.
• The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the
Constitution of erstwhile USSR
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of
citizens. The socialist countries, on the contrary, gave equal
to the fundamental rights and duties of their citizens.
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
Rights that states, “Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
the free and full development of his personality is possible.”
• Fundamental duties are 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
sanction either to prevent their viola
fundamental duties can be gauged from the following facts:
• As rights and duties are the 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
one’s fundamental rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
individual has no respect for what is expected of him b
citizen of the country. 
• They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
admit of two constructions.
 
FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES: 
The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the
that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
86th Amendment in 2002, which added a duty on every 
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provide
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years.
The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the
erstwhile USSR. Japanese Constitution is, perhaps, the 
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of
citizens. The socialist countries, on the contrary, gave equal 
to the fundamental rights and duties of their citizens. Further the chapter 
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
“Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
the free and full development of his personality is possible.” 
Fundamental duties are obligatory in nature. But there is no provision in 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
sanction either to prevent their violation. However the importance of 
fundamental duties can be gauged from the following facts:  
As rights and duties are the two sides of the same coin, it is expected that 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
individual has no respect for what is expected of him by the state as a 
citizen of the country.  
They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
admit of two constructions.  
The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the Swaran 
that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
, which added a duty on every 
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provided 
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years. 
The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the 
perhaps, the 
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of duties of 
 importance 
Further the chapter 
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
“Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
in nature. But there is no provision in 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
tion. However the importance of 
, it is expected that 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
y the state as a 
They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
 
• While determining the constitutionality 
seeks to give  effect to any of the duties, it may consider such law to be 
“reasonable”, and thereby , save  such law from unconstitutionality.
• Fundamental Duties in the Constitution
• According to Article 51 A, 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 that inspired the national 
struggle for freedom; 
(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do
so; 
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amon
all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or
sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of
women; 
(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of the country
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 scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and
reform; 
(i) to safeguard public property and to abjure
(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective
activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour
and achievement; and
(k) to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between 
age of six and fourteen years.
? Characteristics of Fundamental Duties:
 
While determining the constitutionality of any law, if court finds that it 
seeks to give  effect to any of the duties, it may consider such law to be 
“reasonable”, and thereby , save  such law from unconstitutionality.
Fundamental Duties in the Constitution: 
According to Article 51 A, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India:
(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the
nd the National Anthem; 
(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national 
 
(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amon
the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or
sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of
(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite 
t and improve the natural environment including forests, 
rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures;
(h) to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and
(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 endeavour
and achievement; and 
(k) to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between 
age of six and fourteen years. 
Characteristics of Fundamental Duties: 
, if court finds that it 
seeks to give  effect to any of the duties, it may consider such law to be 
“reasonable”, and thereby , save  such law from unconstitutionality. 
According to Article 51 A, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India: 
(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the 
(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national 
(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 
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst 
the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or 
sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of 
s composite 
t and improve the natural environment including forests, 
rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures; 
(h) to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and 
(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective 
activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour 
(k) to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the 
 
1. Combination of moral and civic dutie
2. They contain a codification of tasks integ
life  
3. Fundamental Duties are confined to
4. Non-Justiciable
• Value and Significance of Fundamental Duties:
a) They serve as a reminder t
rights, they should also be conscious of duties they owe to their country, 
their society and to their fellow citizens.
 b) They serve as a warning against the anti
activities like burning the
on. 
 c) They serve as a source of inspiration for the citizens and promote a 
sense of discipline and commitment among them. They create a feeling 
that the citizens are no mere 
realisation of national goals
d) They help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional 
validity of a law. In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled that in determining 
the constitutionality of any law, if a court finds that the law in question 
seeks to give effect to a fundamental duty, it may consider such law to 
'reasonable' in relation to Article 14 (equal
(six freedoms) and thus save such law from unconstitutionality. 
e) They are enforceable by law. Hence, the Parliament can provide for the 
imposition of appropriate penalty or punishment for failure to fulfill any 
of them. 
? The Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties of the Citizens (1999) 
identified the existence of legal provisions for the implementation of 
some of the Fundamental Duties. They are mentioned below:
 
Combination of moral and civic duties essentially 
a codification of tasks integral to the Indian way o
Fundamental Duties are confined to citizens only 
Justiciable 
Value and Significance of Fundamental Duties: 
a) They serve as a reminder to the citizens that while enjoying their 
rights, they should also be conscious of duties they owe to their country, 
their society and to their fellow citizens. 
b) They serve as a warning against the anti-national and antisocial 
activities like burning the national flag, destroying public property and so 
c) They serve as a source of inspiration for the citizens and promote a 
sense of discipline and commitment among them. They create a feeling 
that the citizens are no mere spectators but active participants in the 
realisation of national goals  
They help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional 
law. In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled that in determining 
the constitutionality of any law, if a court finds that the law in question 
seeks to give effect to a fundamental duty, it may consider such law to 
'reasonable' in relation to Article 14 (equality before law) or Article 19 
(six freedoms) and thus save such law from unconstitutionality. 
They are enforceable by law. Hence, the Parliament can provide for the 
imposition of appropriate penalty or punishment for failure to fulfill any 
Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties of the Citizens (1999) 
identified the existence of legal provisions for the implementation of 
some of the Fundamental Duties. They are mentioned below: 
ral to the Indian way of 
o the citizens that while enjoying their 
rights, they should also be conscious of duties they owe to their country, 
national and antisocial 
national flag, destroying public property and so 
c) They serve as a source of inspiration for the citizens and promote a 
sense of discipline and commitment among them. They create a feeling 
spectators but active participants in the 
They help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional 
law. In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled that in determining 
the constitutionality of any law, if a court finds that the law in question 
seeks to give effect to a fundamental duty, it may consider such law to  be 
ity before law) or Article 19 
(six freedoms) and thus save such law from unconstitutionality.  
They are enforceable by law. Hence, the Parliament can provide for the 
imposition of appropriate penalty or punishment for failure to fulfill any 
Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties of the Citizens (1999) 
identified the existence of legal provisions for the implementation of 
 
1. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act (1971) prevent
disrespect to the Constitution of India, the National Flag and the National 
Anthem. 
2. The various criminal laws in force provide for punishments for 
encouraging enmity between different sections of people on grounds of 
language, race, place of birth, re
3. The Protection of Civil Rights Act4 (1955) provides for punishments 
for offences related to caste and religion.
4. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) declares the imputations and assertions 
prejudicial to national integration as punishable of
5. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967
6. The Representation of People Act (1951)
The National Commission to Review the Working of Constitution
3 provides recommendations for
effectuating Fundamental Duties, the following steps should be ta
(i) The first and foremost step required by the Union and State 
Governments is to sensitise the people and to create a general awareness 
of the provisions of fundamental duties amongst the citizens on the lines 
recommended by the Justice Verma Commi
Consideration should be given to the ways and means by which 
Fundamental Duties could be popularized and made effective;
(ii) Right to freedom of religion and other freedoms must be jealously 
guarded and rights of minorities and fello
(iii) Reform of the whole process of education is an immediate but 
immense need, as is the need to free it from governmental or political 
control; it is only through education that will power to adhere to our 
Fundamental Duties as ci
(iv) Duty to vote at elections, actively participate in the democratic 
process of governance and to pay taxes should be included in article 51A; 
and  
 
1. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act (1971) prevent
disrespect to the Constitution of India, the National Flag and the National 
2. The various criminal laws in force provide for punishments for 
encouraging enmity between different sections of people on grounds of 
language, race, place of birth, religion and so on. 
3. The Protection of Civil Rights Act4 (1955) provides for punishments 
for offences related to caste and religion. 
4. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) declares the imputations and assertions 
prejudicial to national integration as punishable offences. 
5. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967 
6. The Representation of People Act (1951) 
The National Commission to Review the Working of Constitution in its chapter 
3 provides recommendations for fundamental duties. It states that for 
effectuating Fundamental Duties, the following steps should be taken:
(i) The first and foremost step required by the Union and State 
Governments is to sensitise the people and to create a general awareness 
of the provisions of fundamental duties amongst the citizens on the lines 
recommended by the Justice Verma Committee on the subject. 
Consideration should be given to the ways and means by which 
Fundamental Duties could be popularized and made effective; 
(ii) Right to freedom of religion and other freedoms must be jealously 
guarded and rights of minorities and fellow citizens respected; 
(iii) Reform of the whole process of education is an immediate but 
immense need, as is the need to free it from governmental or political 
control; it is only through education that will power to adhere to our 
Fundamental Duties as citizens can be inculcated;  
(iv) Duty to vote at elections, actively participate in the democratic 
process of governance and to pay taxes should be included in article 51A; 
1. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act (1971) prevents 
disrespect to the Constitution of India, the National Flag and the National 
2. The various criminal laws in force provide for punishments for 
encouraging enmity between different sections of people on grounds of 
3. The Protection of Civil Rights Act4 (1955) provides for punishments 
4. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) declares the imputations and assertions 
in its chapter 
fundamental duties. It states that for 
ken:-  
(i) The first and foremost step required by the Union and State 
Governments is to sensitise the people and to create a general awareness 
of the provisions of fundamental duties amongst the citizens on the lines 
ttee on the subject. 
Consideration should be given to the ways and means by which 
  
(ii) Right to freedom of religion and other freedoms must be jealously 
  
(iii) Reform of the whole process of education is an immediate but 
immense need, as is the need to free it from governmental or political 
control; it is only through education that will power to adhere to our 
(iv) Duty to vote at elections, actively participate in the democratic 
process of governance and to pay taxes should be included in article 51A; 
Page 5


 
 
• The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the
Singh Committee that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
eleven by the 86th Amendment in 2002
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provide
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years.
• The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the
Constitution of erstwhile USSR
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of
citizens. The socialist countries, on the contrary, gave equal
to the fundamental rights and duties of their citizens.
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
Rights that states, “Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
the free and full development of his personality is possible.”
• Fundamental duties are 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
sanction either to prevent their viola
fundamental duties can be gauged from the following facts:
• As rights and duties are the 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
one’s fundamental rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
individual has no respect for what is expected of him b
citizen of the country. 
• They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
admit of two constructions.
 
FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES: 
The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the
that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
86th Amendment in 2002, which added a duty on every 
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provide
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years.
The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the
erstwhile USSR. Japanese Constitution is, perhaps, the 
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of
citizens. The socialist countries, on the contrary, gave equal 
to the fundamental rights and duties of their citizens. Further the chapter 
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
“Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
the free and full development of his personality is possible.” 
Fundamental duties are obligatory in nature. But there is no provision in 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
sanction either to prevent their violation. However the importance of 
fundamental duties can be gauged from the following facts:  
As rights and duties are the two sides of the same coin, it is expected that 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
individual has no respect for what is expected of him by the state as a 
citizen of the country.  
They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
admit of two constructions.  
The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 
42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the Swaran 
that was constituted by the government earlier that 
year. Originally ten in number, the Fundamental Duties were increased to 
, which added a duty on every 
parent or guardian to ensure that their child or ward was provided 
opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen years. 
The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the 
perhaps, the 
only democratic Constitution in world which contains a list of duties of 
 importance 
Further the chapter 
sits well with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human 
“Everyone has duties to the community in which alone 
in nature. But there is no provision in 
the constitution for direct enforcement of these duties. There is no 
tion. However the importance of 
, it is expected that 
one should  observe one’s duties in order to seek the enforcement of 
rights, in the  context if a person approaches the court 
for the enforcement of any of his fundamental rights, the court may refuse 
to take a lenient view of him if it comes to know that the concerned 
y the state as a 
They can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. The court may look 
at the fundamental duties while interpreting equivocal statutes which 
 
• While determining the constitutionality 
seeks to give  effect to any of the duties, it may consider such law to be 
“reasonable”, and thereby , save  such law from unconstitutionality.
• Fundamental Duties in the Constitution
• According to Article 51 A, 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 that inspired the national 
struggle for freedom; 
(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do
so; 
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amon
all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or
sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of
women; 
(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of the country
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 scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and
reform; 
(i) to safeguard public property and to abjure
(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective
activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour
and achievement; and
(k) to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between 
age of six and fourteen years.
? Characteristics of Fundamental Duties:
 
While determining the constitutionality of any law, if court finds that it 
seeks to give  effect to any of the duties, it may consider such law to be 
“reasonable”, and thereby , save  such law from unconstitutionality.
Fundamental Duties in the Constitution: 
According to Article 51 A, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India:
(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the
nd the National Anthem; 
(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national 
 
(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amon
the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or
sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of
(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite 
t and improve the natural environment including forests, 
rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures;
(h) to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and
(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 endeavour
and achievement; and 
(k) to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between 
age of six and fourteen years. 
Characteristics of Fundamental Duties: 
, if court finds that it 
seeks to give  effect to any of the duties, it may consider such law to be 
“reasonable”, and thereby , save  such law from unconstitutionality. 
According to Article 51 A, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India: 
(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the 
(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national 
(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 
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst 
the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or 
sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of 
s composite 
t and improve the natural environment including forests, 
rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures; 
(h) to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and 
(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective 
activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour 
(k) to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the 
 
1. Combination of moral and civic dutie
2. They contain a codification of tasks integ
life  
3. Fundamental Duties are confined to
4. Non-Justiciable
• Value and Significance of Fundamental Duties:
a) They serve as a reminder t
rights, they should also be conscious of duties they owe to their country, 
their society and to their fellow citizens.
 b) They serve as a warning against the anti
activities like burning the
on. 
 c) They serve as a source of inspiration for the citizens and promote a 
sense of discipline and commitment among them. They create a feeling 
that the citizens are no mere 
realisation of national goals
d) They help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional 
validity of a law. In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled that in determining 
the constitutionality of any law, if a court finds that the law in question 
seeks to give effect to a fundamental duty, it may consider such law to 
'reasonable' in relation to Article 14 (equal
(six freedoms) and thus save such law from unconstitutionality. 
e) They are enforceable by law. Hence, the Parliament can provide for the 
imposition of appropriate penalty or punishment for failure to fulfill any 
of them. 
? The Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties of the Citizens (1999) 
identified the existence of legal provisions for the implementation of 
some of the Fundamental Duties. They are mentioned below:
 
Combination of moral and civic duties essentially 
a codification of tasks integral to the Indian way o
Fundamental Duties are confined to citizens only 
Justiciable 
Value and Significance of Fundamental Duties: 
a) They serve as a reminder to the citizens that while enjoying their 
rights, they should also be conscious of duties they owe to their country, 
their society and to their fellow citizens. 
b) They serve as a warning against the anti-national and antisocial 
activities like burning the national flag, destroying public property and so 
c) They serve as a source of inspiration for the citizens and promote a 
sense of discipline and commitment among them. They create a feeling 
that the citizens are no mere spectators but active participants in the 
realisation of national goals  
They help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional 
law. In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled that in determining 
the constitutionality of any law, if a court finds that the law in question 
seeks to give effect to a fundamental duty, it may consider such law to 
'reasonable' in relation to Article 14 (equality before law) or Article 19 
(six freedoms) and thus save such law from unconstitutionality. 
They are enforceable by law. Hence, the Parliament can provide for the 
imposition of appropriate penalty or punishment for failure to fulfill any 
Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties of the Citizens (1999) 
identified the existence of legal provisions for the implementation of 
some of the Fundamental Duties. They are mentioned below: 
ral to the Indian way of 
o the citizens that while enjoying their 
rights, they should also be conscious of duties they owe to their country, 
national and antisocial 
national flag, destroying public property and so 
c) They serve as a source of inspiration for the citizens and promote a 
sense of discipline and commitment among them. They create a feeling 
spectators but active participants in the 
They help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional 
law. In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled that in determining 
the constitutionality of any law, if a court finds that the law in question 
seeks to give effect to a fundamental duty, it may consider such law to  be 
ity before law) or Article 19 
(six freedoms) and thus save such law from unconstitutionality.  
They are enforceable by law. Hence, the Parliament can provide for the 
imposition of appropriate penalty or punishment for failure to fulfill any 
Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties of the Citizens (1999) 
identified the existence of legal provisions for the implementation of 
 
1. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act (1971) prevent
disrespect to the Constitution of India, the National Flag and the National 
Anthem. 
2. The various criminal laws in force provide for punishments for 
encouraging enmity between different sections of people on grounds of 
language, race, place of birth, re
3. The Protection of Civil Rights Act4 (1955) provides for punishments 
for offences related to caste and religion.
4. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) declares the imputations and assertions 
prejudicial to national integration as punishable of
5. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967
6. The Representation of People Act (1951)
The National Commission to Review the Working of Constitution
3 provides recommendations for
effectuating Fundamental Duties, the following steps should be ta
(i) The first and foremost step required by the Union and State 
Governments is to sensitise the people and to create a general awareness 
of the provisions of fundamental duties amongst the citizens on the lines 
recommended by the Justice Verma Commi
Consideration should be given to the ways and means by which 
Fundamental Duties could be popularized and made effective;
(ii) Right to freedom of religion and other freedoms must be jealously 
guarded and rights of minorities and fello
(iii) Reform of the whole process of education is an immediate but 
immense need, as is the need to free it from governmental or political 
control; it is only through education that will power to adhere to our 
Fundamental Duties as ci
(iv) Duty to vote at elections, actively participate in the democratic 
process of governance and to pay taxes should be included in article 51A; 
and  
 
1. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act (1971) prevent
disrespect to the Constitution of India, the National Flag and the National 
2. The various criminal laws in force provide for punishments for 
encouraging enmity between different sections of people on grounds of 
language, race, place of birth, religion and so on. 
3. The Protection of Civil Rights Act4 (1955) provides for punishments 
for offences related to caste and religion. 
4. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) declares the imputations and assertions 
prejudicial to national integration as punishable offences. 
5. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967 
6. The Representation of People Act (1951) 
The National Commission to Review the Working of Constitution in its chapter 
3 provides recommendations for fundamental duties. It states that for 
effectuating Fundamental Duties, the following steps should be taken:
(i) The first and foremost step required by the Union and State 
Governments is to sensitise the people and to create a general awareness 
of the provisions of fundamental duties amongst the citizens on the lines 
recommended by the Justice Verma Committee on the subject. 
Consideration should be given to the ways and means by which 
Fundamental Duties could be popularized and made effective; 
(ii) Right to freedom of religion and other freedoms must be jealously 
guarded and rights of minorities and fellow citizens respected; 
(iii) Reform of the whole process of education is an immediate but 
immense need, as is the need to free it from governmental or political 
control; it is only through education that will power to adhere to our 
Fundamental Duties as citizens can be inculcated;  
(iv) Duty to vote at elections, actively participate in the democratic 
process of governance and to pay taxes should be included in article 51A; 
1. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act (1971) prevents 
disrespect to the Constitution of India, the National Flag and the National 
2. The various criminal laws in force provide for punishments for 
encouraging enmity between different sections of people on grounds of 
3. The Protection of Civil Rights Act4 (1955) provides for punishments 
4. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) declares the imputations and assertions 
in its chapter 
fundamental duties. It states that for 
ken:-  
(i) The first and foremost step required by the Union and State 
Governments is to sensitise the people and to create a general awareness 
of the provisions of fundamental duties amongst the citizens on the lines 
ttee on the subject. 
Consideration should be given to the ways and means by which 
  
(ii) Right to freedom of religion and other freedoms must be jealously 
  
(iii) Reform of the whole process of education is an immediate but 
immense need, as is the need to free it from governmental or political 
control; it is only through education that will power to adhere to our 
(iv) Duty to vote at elections, actively participate in the democratic 
process of governance and to pay taxes should be included in article 51A; 
 
(v) The other recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee on 
operationalisation of Fundamental Duties of Citizens should be 
implemented at the earliest.
• Critical analysis of Fundamental Duties:
Fundamental duties can 
concept and practice 
Concept- 
? Unheard of in democ
? Bring nothing new to the table
? People under the State already need to be law abiding then what is 
the need for this?
? Non-justiciable
 
Practice- 
? Laws already exist for certain FDs
? Ambiguous and vague
? No general awareness campaigns have been initiated
? Not many judgments have come out
precepts of FDs except for wildlife and environment
 
• Role of Judiciary: 
? In the M.C. Mehta case, the 
A(g) it is the 
compulsory teaching of lessons 
protection and improvement of natural environment in all the 
educational institution of the country. 
?  In the AIIMS Students Union case (2001), importance of 
fundamental duties enshrined in art 51A has been shown
Supreme Court said 
fundamental rights. Though fundamental duties are not made
enforceable like fundamental rights but it cannot overlook as 
“duties” in Part IV is prefixed by to same word “fundamental” 
 
(v) The other recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee on 
ion of Fundamental Duties of Citizens should be 
implemented at the earliest.  
Critical analysis of Fundamental Duties: 
Fundamental duties can be critically evaluated on 2 axe
 
Unheard of in democratic constitutions 
Bring nothing new to the table 
People under the State already need to be law abiding then what is 
the need for this? 
justiciable 
Laws already exist for certain FDs 
Ambiguous and vague 
No general awareness campaigns have been initiated 
t many judgments have come out which have worked on the 
precepts of FDs except for wildlife and environment 
In the M.C. Mehta case, the Supreme Court held that under art.51
A(g) it is the duty of the central government to introduce 
compulsory teaching of lessons at least for one hour in a week on 
protection and improvement of natural environment in all the 
educational institution of the country.  
In the AIIMS Students Union case (2001), importance of 
fundamental duties enshrined in art 51A has been shown
Supreme Court said that they are equally important like 
fundamental rights. Though fundamental duties are not made
enforceable like fundamental rights but it cannot overlook as 
“duties” in Part IV is prefixed by to same word “fundamental” 
(v) The other recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee on 
ion of Fundamental Duties of Citizens should be 
be critically evaluated on 2 axes, namely: 
People under the State already need to be law abiding then what is 
which have worked on the 
Supreme Court held that under art.51-
duty of the central government to introduce 
or one hour in a week on 
protection and improvement of natural environment in all the 
In the AIIMS Students Union case (2001), importance of 
fundamental duties enshrined in art 51A has been shown. The 
that they are equally important like 
fundamental rights. Though fundamental duties are not made 
enforceable like fundamental rights but it cannot overlook as 
“duties” in Part IV is prefixed by to same word “fundamental”