UPSC Prelims 2017 Q17: Indian Economy – Monetary Policy & Money Supply
With reference to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principles of State Policy constitute
limitations upon
1. legislative function.
2. executive function.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Do DPSPs limit the legislature or executive?
Directive Principles (Part IV) are positive directions to the State, not limits on its power.
Article 37 says they are not enforceable by any court but are fundamental in governance.
| Feature | Fundamental Rights (Part III) | Directive Principles (Part IV) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Limitations on the State ('shall not') | Directions to the State ('shall strive') |
| Justiciable | Yes (Article 32) | No (Article 37) |
| Effect on laws | Laws violating them are void (Article 13) | A law cannot be struck down for ignoring them |
So DPSPs do not limit either legislative or executive functions.
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. DPSPs guide lawmaking; they do not limit legislative power.
- (b) Incorrect. DPSPs are non-justiciable and place no binding limit on the executive.
- (c) Incorrect. It is Fundamental Rights that limit both the legislature and executive.
- (d) CORRECT. DPSPs are positive directions (Article 37), not limitations on any function.
Key point
DPSPs = non-justiciable positive directions (Article 37); Fundamental Rights = justiciable limitations on the State (Article 13).
Remember
DPSPs direct; Fundamental Rights limit.
Common mistakes
- Confusing DPSPs with Fundamental Rights, which do limit the State.
- Reading 'fundamental in governance' as binding limitations.
- Forgetting that courts cannot strike down a law for ignoring a DPSP.
Exam tip
Rights say 'don't'; Directives say 'do'.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 13, 32 and 37
- NCERT Class XI — Indian Constitution at Work, Ch 2 (Rights)