Fundamental Duties
Article 51A: The Conscience of the Citizen
PART I — GENESIS & STRUCTURE
SWARAN SINGH COMMITTEE
42nd Amendment (1976)
- Original Constitution did not contain duties.
- Added during Internal Emergency (1975-77).
- Inserted Part IVA and Article 51A.
- Inspired by the Constitution of the USSR.
86TH AMENDMENT (2002)
The 11th Duty
- Originally 10 duties were enacted.
- 11th duty added in 2002.
- Duty of parents/guardians to provide education...
- ...to children between 6 and 14 years.
PART II — NATURE & SIGNIFICANCE
ENFORCEMENT
Non-Justiciable
- Cannot be directly enforced via courts (like DPSP).
- No legal sanction for their violation directly.
- Serve as a moral compass for the citizens.
- Parliament *can* enforce them via specific laws (e.g., Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act).
JURISPRUDENCE
Rights & Duties Linked
- "Rights and duties are correlative and inseparable."
- Duties serve as a warning against anti-social activities.
- Courts use them to determine the constitutional validity of a law.
- If a law seeks to give effect to a duty, it is considered 'reasonable'.
PART III — CORE PRINCIPLES
ARTICLE 51A EXTRACTS
Key Obligations
- Abide by Constitution, respect National Flag & Anthem.
- Cherish noble ideals of the freedom struggle.
- Protect sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
- Protect natural environment & develop scientific temper.
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