Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy:The Principles

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UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2015 UPSC Prelims Indian Polity & Governance paper.

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This UPSC Prelims 2015 Indian Polity & Governance question has a medium difficulty level and is marked as an important question.

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Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy:The Principles spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country.The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C — Both 1 and 2Step-by-step Solution:Statement 1 — DPSPs spell out socio-economic democracy: This is correct. The Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV, Articles 36-51) embody the ideals of social and economic democracy — complementing the political democracy enshrined in the fundamental rights. While fundamental rights primarily protect political and civil liberties (freedom of speech, right to life, etc.), DPSPs guide the state to secure: adequate livelihood; equal pay for equal work; prevention of concentration of wealth; right to work, education, and public assistance; living wage; maternity relief; free and compulsory education for children; protection of the environment. Together, they aim to establish a welfare state. ✓Statement 2 — DPSPs are not enforceable by any court: This is correct. Under Article 37 of the Constitution, the Directive Principles are explicitly stated to be non-justiciable — they cannot be enforced in a court of law. If the government fails to implement a DPSP, a citizen cannot sue the government for its violation. However, Article 37 also declares that DPSPs are fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to apply these principles while making laws. ✓Why other options are incorrect:Options A, B, D: Both statements are correct, making Option C the only appropriate choice.Key Concept: Fundamental Rights vs DPSPs: FRs (Part III) — justiciable (courts can enforce); DPSPs (Part IV) — non-justiciable but fundamental in governance. Classification of DPSPs: Socialistic (Articles 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 43A, 47); Gandhian (Articles 40, 43, 43B, 46, 47, 48); Liberal-Intellectual (Articles 44, 45, 48A, 49, 50, 51). Key SC judgments on FRs vs DPSPs: State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951) — FRs prevail over DPSPs; Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) — Parliament cannot abridge FRs; Kesavananda Bharati (1973) — Basic Structure doctrine; Minerva Mills (1980) — balance between FRs and DPSPs required. 42nd Amendment (1976) — DPSPs given precedence over Articles 14 and 19, later partly struck down in Minerva Mills.

Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy:The Principles spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country.The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy:The Principles spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country.The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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