UPSC Prelims 2011 Q44: Indian Polity – Fundamental Duties
Under the Constitution of India,
which one of the following is not a fundamental duty?
- (a) To vote in public elections
- (b) To develop the scientific temper
- (c) To safeguard public property
- (d) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals
Answer: (a) To vote in public elections
Explanation
Which one is NOT a Fundamental Duty
Fundamental Duties are listed in Article 51A of the Constitution, added by the 42nd Amendment (1976).
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) To vote in public elections | NOT a duty | Voting is a statutory/legal right (under the Representation of the People Act), not listed among the Fundamental Duties in Article 51A |
| (b) To develop the scientific temper | Is a duty | Article 51A(h) explicitly lists developing scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform |
| (c) To safeguard public property | Is a duty | Article 51A(i) requires citizens to safeguard public property and abjure violence |
| (d) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals | Is a duty | Article 51A(a) is exactly this: abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals, institutions, National Flag and National Anthem |
Fundamental Duties quick facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Source | Article 51A, added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976 |
| Voting | A legal right under statute, NOT a Fundamental Duty |
| Enforceability | Fundamental Duties are morally binding, not directly enforceable in court |
Answer: (a) To vote in public elections.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Voting is a statutory right, not one of the 11 Fundamental Duties listed in Article 51A.
- (b) Incorrect. Developing scientific temper IS listed, under Article 51A(h), so this is not the answer.
- (c) Incorrect. Safeguarding public property IS listed, under Article 51A(i), so this is not the answer.
- (d) Incorrect. Abiding by the Constitution and its ideals IS listed, under Article 51A(a), so this is not the answer.
Key point
Fundamental Duties (Article 51A, 42nd Amendment) include scientific temper, safeguarding public property, and respecting the Constitution — but NOT voting, which is a statutory right, not a Fundamental Duty.
Remember
Fundamental Duties (Art. 51A): NOT voting (that's a statutory right); yes to scientific temper, public property, and respecting the Constitution.
Common mistakes
- Assuming voting must be a Fundamental Duty because it 'sounds like' good citizenship.
- Not knowing the exact list of 11 Fundamental Duties under Article 51A.
- Forgetting Fundamental Duties were added later, by the 42nd Amendment (1976).
Exam tip
Voting is a legal/statutory right, never a listed Fundamental Duty. Memorise that Article 51A has 11 duties and voting isn't one.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 51A (Fundamental Duties)
- 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976