UPSC Prelims 2013 Q38: Indian Polity – Directive Principles Of State Policy
According to the Constitution of India,
which of the following are fundamental for the governance of the country?
- (a) Fundamental Rights
- (b) Fundamental Duties
- (c) Directive Principles of State Policy
- (d) Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties
Answer: (c) Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation
'Fundamental in the governance of the country'
Article 37 says the Directive Principles of State Policy are not enforceable by any court, but are 'fundamental in the governance of the country'.
It is the duty of the State to apply them in making laws.
| Part | Enforceable in court? | Description in the Constitution |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamental Rights (Part III) | Yes | Guaranteed; remedy under Article 32 |
| Directive Principles (Part IV) | No | Fundamental in the governance of the country |
| Fundamental Duties (Part IVA) | No | Duties of every citizen |
Why the phrase matters:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Guide | They direct law-making and policy |
| Balance | Minerva Mills (1980): harmony between Parts III and IV is part of the basic structure |
Answer: (c) Directive Principles of State Policy.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Fundamental Rights are enforceable rights; the phrase is not used for them.
- (b) Incorrect. Fundamental Duties are duties of citizens, not principles of governance.
- (c) CORRECT. Article 37 calls the Directive Principles fundamental in governance.
- (d) Incorrect. Neither Fundamental Rights nor Fundamental Duties carry this phrase.
Key point
Article 37: Directive Principles are non-justiciable but 'fundamental in the governance of the country'; the State must apply them in law-making.
Remember
Fundamental in governance = Directive Principles.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Fundamental Rights because of the word 'fundamental'.
- Not knowing the exact wording of Article 37.
- Thinking non-enforceable means unimportant.
Exam tip
'Fundamental in governance' is a quotation from Article 37.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 37
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Directive Principles of State Policy