UNIT 3

Fundamental Rights (For 8 Marks)

1. Meaning:

Fundamental Rights are the basic human rights guaranteed to all citizens by the Constitution of
India.
These rights help people live with freedom, dignity, and equality in society.
They are called “fundamental” because they are essential for the overall development of
individuals and the democratic system.

2. Where are they given?

• They are mentioned in Part III of the Indian Constitution.

• Articles 12 to 35 talk about Fundamental Rights.
• Citizens can go to the Supreme Court or High Court if these rights are violated (Article 32
and 226).

3. List of Six Fundamental Rights:

S.
Right Articles Main Idea
No.

Equal before the law; no discrimination on the basis of caste,

1 Right to Equality 14 to 18
religion, gender, etc.

Freedom of speech, expression, assembly, movement,

2 Right to Freedom 19 to 22
residence, profession, and personal liberty.

Right against
3 23 to 24 Bans human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour.
Exploitation

Right to Freedom of
4 25 to 28 Everyone is free to follow, practice, and preach any religion.
Religion

Cultural and
5 29 to 30 Protects the language, culture, and education of minorities.
Educational Rights

Right to Citizens can go to the Supreme Court if their rights are

6 Constitutional 32 violated. (Called the heart and soul of the Constitution by Dr.
Remedies B.R. Ambedkar)
 4. Importance of Fundamental Rights:

• They protect individual liberty and ensure equality.

• Help in democratic functioning of the country.
• Promote social justice, freedom, and unity.
• Allow citizens to develop their personality and potential.
• Protect people from misuse of power by the government.

5. Who can enforce Fundamental Rights?

• The Supreme Court under Article 32

• The High Courts under Article 226
If anyone's rights are taken away, they can file a petition in court using writs like Habeas Corpus,
Mandamus, etc.

Conclusion:

Fundamental Rights are the foundation of democracy in India.

They give every citizen the freedom to live freely and equally.
Every Indian must know and respect these rights while using them responsibly.

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

1. Meaning:

Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines or instructions given to the Central and State
governments by the Constitution.
They are not enforceable by courts, but the government must keep them in mind while making laws
and policies for the country.

2. Where is it mentioned?

• DPSPs are included in Part IV of the Indian Constitution.

• Articles 36 to 51 deal with these principles.
• The idea is taken from the Irish Constitution.

3. Purpose of DPSP:

• To create a welfare state – where the government works for the good of all.
• To bring social and economic justice to the people.
 • To reduce inequality and improve living conditions of poor and weaker sections.
• To help in building a fair and just society.

4. Types of Directive Principles:

DPSPs are broadly divided into three categories:

A. Social and Economic Principles

These aim to provide a good standard of life for all citizens.

Examples:
• Right to work, education, and public assistance (Art. 41)
• Equal pay for equal work for men and women (Art. 39)
• Free legal aid and justice for the poor (Art. 39A)
• Just and humane working conditions (Art. 42)

B. Gandhian Principles

These are based on the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi.

Examples:
• Promote cottage industries in rural areas (Art. 43)
• Prohibit alcohol and drugs (Art. 47)
• Organize village Panchayats (Art. 40)
• Protect cows and animals (Art. 48)

C. Liberal and Intellectual Principles

These focus on international peace, environment, and laws.

Examples:
• Protect the environment and wildlife (Art. 48A)
• Promote international peace and security (Art. 51)
• Uniform civil code for all citizens (Art. 44)

5. Features of DPSP:

• Not enforceable by law (not justiciable).

• Moral duty of the government to follow them.
• Help in achieving the goals of the Preamble – justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
 • Parliament and state legislatures use them as a guide while making new laws.

6. Importance of DPSP:

• Acts as a moral compass for the government.

• Helps in reducing poverty and inequality.
• Promotes welfare and development of society.
• Encourages the government to take steps for education, health, and justice.
• Helps India move towards a welfare state.

Conclusion:

Directive Principles of State Policy are important goals that guide the government to make fair and
welfare-oriented laws.
Though they are not legally enforceable, they are essential for good governance and social justice
in a democratic country like India.
Here is a detailed 8-mark answer in simple and easy language on the topic:

Socialistic Principles of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

Meaning:

The Socialistic principles of DPSP aim to make India a welfare state. They focus on social justice,
economic equality, and improving the life of the common people, especially the poor and weaker
sections. These principles are inspired by socialism, which means that the government should work
for the good of all, not just a few rich people.

Main Goals of Socialistic Principles:

• Reduce inequality between rich and poor.

• Provide equal opportunities to all.
• Ensure basic needs like food, health, education, and work.
• Protect workers’ rights.
• Improve the living conditions of citizens.

Important Articles under Socialistic Principles:

1. Article 38 –
The state shall work to promote the welfare of people by ensuring social, economic, and
political justice and try to reduce inequality in income and status.
 2. Article 39 –
The state shall ensure:
o Equal right to livelihood for men and women.
o Distribution of wealth to serve the common good.
o Protection of health and strength of workers.
o Children are not forced to work due to economic need.
3. Article 41 –
The state shall provide work, education, and public help in cases of old age, sickness, or
unemployment.
4. Article 42 –
The state shall provide humane working conditions and maternity leave for women.
5. Article 43 –
The state shall promote cottage industries (small-scale industries), especially in rural areas.
6. Article 43A –
Workers should have the right to participate in the management of industries.
7. Article 47 –
The state shall work to improve public health, nutrition, and try to ban harmful things like
alcohol and drugs.

Importance of Socialistic Principles:

• They help in reducing poverty and promoting equality.

• Protect the rights of workers, farmers, and the poor.
• Create an environment where everyone gets equal opportunities.
• Guide the government to make people-friendly laws and policies.

Conclusion:

The socialistic principles of the DPSP guide the government to build a fair and just society. They
are not legally enforceable in courts, but they are very important for achieving the goals of justice,
equality, and welfare in our country.

Here is a detailed 8-mark answer in simple and easy language on the topic:

Liberal-Intellectual Principles of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

1. Meaning:
The Liberal-Intellectual principles of DPSP are related to the ideas of freedom, justice, individual
rights, and democracy.
These principles reflect the thinking of modern democratic countries and are meant to ensure a free,
fair, and responsible government.
They guide the government to provide good governance, promote education, and ensure freedom of
speech, religion, and justice.

2. Important Articles under Liberal-Intellectual Principles:

Article Provision

Article The state should try to create a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens (same set of laws on
44 marriage, divorce, inheritance, etc., regardless of religion).

Article The state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children up to the age of 14
45 years. (Now implemented as Fundamental Right under Article 21A)

Article The state shall protect and improve agriculture and animal husbandry, and prevent cow
48 slaughter.

Article
The state shall protect and improve the environment, forests, and wildlife.
48A

Article
The state shall protect monuments, places of historical interest, and national heritage.
49

Article The state shall separate the judiciary from the executive in public services (for fair
50 justice).

Article The state shall promote international peace, respect international law, and support
51 friendly relations with other nations.

3. Objectives of Liberal-Intellectual Principles:

• Build a modern democratic society.

• Promote good governance and the rule of law.
• Protect the rights of individuals.
• Ensure clean environment, education, and heritage protection.
• Maintain peace within the country and with other nations.

4. Importance:

• They strengthen democracy by promoting justice, education, and freedom.

• Help the government to protect national values and culture.
• Encourage peaceful international relations and responsible behavior of citizens.
 • Promote the idea of a clean, educated, and just society.

Conclusion:

The Liberal-Intellectual principles of DPSP play a very important role in shaping India into a
modern, democratic, and responsible nation.
Though these principles are not legally enforceable, they give important directions to the government
for making better laws and policies for the people.

Here is a detailed 8-mark answer in simple and easy language on the topic:

Gandhian Principles of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

1. Meaning:

The Gandhian Principles of DPSP are based on the ideas and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.
They aim to build an Indian society based on rural development, self-reliance, truth, non-
violence, and social justice.
These principles focus on the upliftment of villages, farmers, poor people, women, and weaker
sections.

2. Important Articles under Gandhian Principles:

Article Provision

Article The state shall organize Village Panchayats and give them powers to run local self-
40 government.

Article The state shall promote cottage industries (small-scale rural industries), especially in
43 villages.

Article The state shall protect the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes
46 (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other weaker sections.

Article The state shall improve nutrition, standard of living, and public health, and work to ban
47 alcohol and drugs.

Article The state shall protect animals and improve animal husbandry, and prohibit cow
48 slaughter.

3. Objectives of Gandhian Principles:

• Develop village economy and promote rural self-reliance.

• Uplift the poor, farmers, and underprivileged sections.
 • Encourage simple living, truth, and non-violence.
• Promote local governance through Panchayati Raj.
• Improve the lives of tribals, Dalits, and backward communities.

4. Importance:

• These principles help to achieve real Swaraj (self-rule) as dreamed by Gandhi.

• They focus on the development of villages, which form the backbone of India.
• They promote equality, justice, and inclusive growth.
• Guide the government to work for the welfare of the rural population.

Conclusion:

The Gandhian DPSPs remind the government to focus on rural upliftment, self-sufficiency, and
social justice.
They are not enforceable in court, but they are morally and politically important to achieve
Gandhiji's dream of a peaceful and just India.

Comparison of Types of DPSP (Directive Principles of State Policy)

Feature / Liberal-Intellectual
Socialistic Principles Gandhian Principles
Basis Principles

Based on Socialism and equality Ideas of Mahatma Gandhi Western democratic values

Rural development, self-

Social and economic Individual freedom, education,
Main Focus reliance, upliftment of the
justice good governance
poor

Welfare state, equal Gram Swaraj (village self- Modern and just society with
Goal
society rule), community life rule of law

Workers, poor people, All citizens, including

Villagers, farmers, weaker
Beneficiaries unemployed, general children, minorities, and
sections, backward classes
public future generations

- Article 38: Social justice - Article 40: Village - Article 44: Uniform Civil
- Article 39: Equal pay, Panchayats - Article 43: Code - Article 45: Free
welfare - Article 41: Cottage industries - Article education - Article 48A:
Important
Right to work - Article 46: SC/ST welfare - Article Environment - Article 49:
Articles
42: Maternity relief - 47: Public health, ban on Monuments - Article 50:
Article 43A: Workers' alcohol - Article 48: Cow Separation of powers - Article
participation protection 51: International peace
Feature / Liberal-Intellectual
Socialistic Principles Gandhian Principles
Basis Principles

Promotes equality and Promotes tradition, Promotes democracy,

Nature
justice simplicity, rural upliftment freedom, and progress

Free education, MNREGA for rural

Example Environmental laws, RTI Act,
healthcare, social welfare employment, strengthening
Policy foreign policy initiatives
schemes Panchayats

Long-term Build a just and equal Realize Gandhi’s vision of Modern democratic state with
Goal society rural India global harmony

Here is a detailed 8-mark answer on the topic “Fundamental Duties of a Good Citizen” from the
Indian Constitution, written in simple and easy language, perfect for exam answers:

Fundamental Duties of a Good Citizen

(Article 51A, Indian Constitution)

1. Introduction

The Fundamental Duties are the moral and civic responsibilities of Indian citizens. They were
added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976, based on the recommendations of
the Swaran Singh Committee. These duties remind citizens of their role in maintaining the unity,
integrity, and dignity of the nation.
Just as we enjoy Fundamental Rights, we are expected to perform Fundamental Duties sincerely.
There are a total of 11 duties listed under Article 51A of the Constitution.

2. List of 11 Fundamental Duties of a Citizen

Every citizen of India must:

1. Respect the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem
o A citizen must show loyalty and pride in national symbols and values.
2. Follow the noble ideals of freedom struggle
o Citizens must remember and respect the sacrifices of our freedom fighters.
3. Protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India
o One must not support or participate in any activity that divides the nation.
4. Defend the country and render national service when called upon
o Every citizen must be ready to protect the country during war or crisis.
5. Promote harmony and brotherhood among all people
 o Citizens should respect diversity in language, religion, and culture.
6. Value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
o We should protect Indian traditions, art, and cultural values.
7. Protect and improve the natural environment
o It is the duty of all to save forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and to keep the environment
clean.
8. Develop scientific temper, humanism, and spirit of inquiry
o Citizens should promote logic, critical thinking, and reject superstition.
9. Safeguard public property and avoid violence
o Citizens must not damage buses, railways, schools, and other public assets.
10. Strive for excellence in all spheres of activity
• Every citizen should work hard in their field to improve the country’s progress.
11. Provide opportunities for education to children between 6 and 14 years
• Added by the 86th Amendment (2002), this duty promotes the right to education.

3. Significance of Fundamental Duties

• Promote national unity and integrity

They help in building a sense of belonging and patriotism among citizens.
• Balance between rights and duties
Rights and duties go hand in hand. Citizens cannot demand rights without fulfilling duties.
• Support democracy
Responsible citizens help maintain law and order and strengthen democratic values.
• Moral and civic guidance
These duties guide us in behaving well in society and respecting laws and fellow citizens.
• Preserve public resources
Encourages the protection of public property and natural resources.

4. Conclusion

Although Fundamental Duties are not legally enforceable, they are essential for creating a
disciplined and responsible society. If every citizen follows these duties sincerely, it will lead to the
creation of a peaceful, united, and strong India. They inspire us to be good human beings and
active citizens, contributing to the nation's development.

Here is a detailed 8-mark answer on Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in simple and easy language
— perfect for exam preparation:
 Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

1. Introduction:

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) means filing a case in a court not for personal benefit, but in the
interest of the general public, especially the poor, needy, or those who cannot go to court
themselves.
It was introduced in India in the late 1970s to promote justice and equality. The Supreme Court of
India and High Courts started accepting PILs to protect the rights of disadvantaged people.

2. Meaning of PIL:

• “Public” means common people.

• “Interest” means welfare or concern.
• “Litigation” means legal case in court.
So, PIL is a legal action taken in the interest of the public, especially for protecting fundamental
rights.

3. Features of Public Interest Litigation:

1. Anyone can file a PIL – A citizen, NGO, or lawyer can file a PIL, even if they are not
directly affected.
2. Simple process – A PIL can even be filed as a letter or postcard to the Chief Justice.
3. Free of cost – PIL helps poor people as they don’t need to spend much money.
4. Protects public interest – Used to stop illegal activities, protect the environment, improve
living conditions, etc.

4. Important Areas where PIL is used:

1. Human rights violations

– Example: Bonded labour, illegal detention, police violence.
2. Environmental protection
– Example: Pollution, illegal construction, cutting of forests.
3. Corruption in public offices
– Example: Misuse of government funds, illegal actions by officials.
4. Right to food, education, shelter
– Example: Lack of school facilities, children on streets, hunger deaths.
5. Women and children’s rights
– Example: Child labor, sexual harassment, domestic violence.
 5. Advantages of PIL:

• Gives voice to the voiceless.

• Ensures justice is affordable and accessible.
• Helps in quick legal action on social issues.
• Strengthens democracy by holding authorities accountable.

6. Limitations or Misuse of PIL:

• Some people file PILs for publicity or personal interest, wasting court time.
• Courts must carefully check if the PIL is genuine or fake.

7. Conclusion:

Public Interest Litigation is a powerful tool of social justice in India. It helps protect Fundamental
Rights and ensures that the government works for the welfare of the people. PIL is a great example
of how law can be used for public good, especially for the poor and helpless.