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What are the relationship between fundamental rights and directive principles?

Author

Matthew Cannon

Updated on February 18, 2026

What are the relationship between fundamental rights and directive principles?

Fundamental rights aim to establish political democracy in India whereas DPSP refers to socio-economic policies of the country. Directive principles are in the nature of instruments of instructions to the government to do positive. They are not justifiable or enforceable in courts.

Also, what is the relationship between fundamental rights and directive principles of state policy?

Union of India, 2008, the Supreme Court said that no difference can be made between the 2 sets of rights. Fundamental rights deal with Civil and political rights whereas DPSP deals with social and economic rights. DPSP are not enforceable in a court of law doesn't mean it is subordinate.

Subsequently, question is, what are Directive Principles How are they related to fundamental rights? The fundamental rights ensure political democracy while the directive principles ensure economic and social democracy.

Directive Principles:

Fundamental RightsDirective Principles
It is negative in nature as it prevents the government from doing certain things.They are positive in nature as it requires the government to do certain things.

Also to know, what is difference between fundamental rights and directive principles?

Fundamental Rights are justiciable as they can be enforced legally by the courts if there is a violation. Directive Principles are not justiciable as they cannot be enforced by the courts if there is a violation. These are the main differences between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

Why is it said that the directive principles and fundamental rights are two sides of the same coin?

It is said that Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights are two sides of the same coin because both are interdependent and incomplete without each other. Fundamental rights are benefits which are availed by following the directive principles.

What are the different types of directive principles?

Directive Principles are classified under the following categories: economic and socialistic, political and administrative, justice and legal, environmental, protection of monuments, peace and security.

What are the directive principles of state policy in Indian Constitution?

Directive Principle of State Policy

These lay down that the State shall strive to promote the welfare of people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may, a social order, in which justice-social, economic and political-shall form in all institutions of national life.

How many Dpsp have become fundamental rights?

DPSP except 39(b) and 39(c).

This means that DPSP 39B and 39C has been given precedence over Fundamental Right 14 (Right to Equality) and Fundamental Right 19 (Freedom of Speech and Expression). Also, read Indian Polity Notes Which You Shouldn't Miss!

Can Dpsp override fundamental duties?

DPSP are in the nature of directives to all governments of the country, Central, State as well as local. 3. Supreme Court has held that Fundamental Rights and DPSP are distinct scheme and DPSP can override Fundamental Duties.

What is Part 4 of the Constitution?

Part 4 of the Indian Constitution consists of all the DPSP (Directive Principles of State Policy). It covers the Articles from 36 to 51. Article 36 of Part IV defines the term “State” as the one, who has to keep in mind all the DPSP before formulating any policy or law for the country.

Why is Dpsp not enforceable?

If they are not acted upon by the State, no one can move the Courts. The reason for making the DPSPs explicitly unjustifiable are that they require resources which the State may not have at present. Article-38: State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people.

Which of the following cases the Supreme Court of India that held that both fundamental rights and state policy are equally important and one Cannot be sacrificed for the other?

Golak Nath Case

The State of Punjab (1967). In this case, for the first time a bench of 11 judges of the Supreme Court was formed. The court in this case laid down that Fundamental Rights cannot be abridged/ diluted to implement the directive principles. This decision forced the government to amend the constitution.

What is the major difference between the fundamental right and duties?

Hence the primary difference between fundamental right and fundamental duty is that fundamental right is based on privilege granted to you whereas fundamental duty is based on accountability.

Can Dpsp be amended?

For amending the Directive Principles of State Policies, the Constitutional amendment is required. It has to be passed by the special majority of both the houses of the Parliament. Post-independence there have been number of amendments to the constitution and some of them are pertaining to DPSPs.

What happens in case of any conflict between directive principles and fundamental rights?

In case of any conflict between the Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights, the former shall prevail. However, the Directive principles are not enforceable by any court of law in the country. This in effect means that the citizens cannot move the courts of law if the government fails to implement these directives.

What is directive principle of state policy 8?

Constitution deal with the Directive Principles of State Policy. The Directive Principles are the guiding principles for governance but are not enforceable by any court. In short, the Directive Principles envisage equality, liberty and freedom.

What are the directive principles of our Constitution?

They aim at achieving social and economic democracy for establishing a welfare state. Directive Principles are classified under the following categories: Gandhian, economic and socialistic, political and administrative, justice and legal, environmental, protection of monuments and peace and security.

What are the 11 fundamental rights?

  • Genesis.
  • Significance and characteristics.
  • Right to equality.
  • Right to freedom.
  • Right against exploitation.
  • Right to freedom of religion.
  • Right to life.
  • Cultural and educational rights.

What are the 7 fundamental rights?

Seven fundamental rights were originally provided by the Constitution – the right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, right to property and right to constitutional remedies.

What are 11 fundamental duties?

  • Abide by the Constitution and respect national flag & National Anthem.
  • Follow ideals of the freedom struggle.
  • Protect sovereignty & integrity of India.
  • Defend the country and render national services when called upon.
  • Sprit of common brotherhood.
  • Preserve composite culture.
  • Preserve natural environment.

Why do we need fundamental rights?

Fundamental Rights protect the liberties and freedom of the citizens against any invasion by the state, prevent the establishment of the authoritarian and dictatorial rule in the country. They are very essential for the all-round development of the individuals and the country.

What enables a citizen to go to court if his or her fundamental rights are violated?

When any of our rights are violated we can seek remedy through courts. If it is a Fundamental Right we can directly approach the Supreme Court or the High Court of a state.

Which fundamental right is considered as the heart and soul of the Constitution?

'Heart and soul of Constitution'

Article 32 falls under Part III of the Constitution that includes the fundamental rights of individuals. It allows an individual to approach the Supreme Court if she or he believes that her or his fundamental rights have been violated or they need to be enforced.

Why are the directive principles not included in fundamental rights?

There is legal force behind Fundamental Rights whereas Directive Principles have the force public opinion. The constitution clearly vests the fundamental rights in a constitutional and legal basis and makes these provisions enforceable by the courts. These are binding on the state. Their violation is an offence.

Is right to constitutional remedies available to foreigners?

Article 32 of the Indian Constitution confers 'mandatory power' on the Honorable Supreme Court of India to issue writs in case of violation of the Fundamental Rights (FRs). by law or constitution). And some of the FRs are available for both citizens and foreigners (or non- citizens) and not enemy aliens.