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Fundamental duties  

23rd February, 2022

Copyright infringement is not intended

 

Context: Supreme Court asked the Union and the State governments to respond to a petition to enforce the fundamental duties on citizens.

 

Fundamental Duties:

  • The original constitution contained only the fundamental rights and not the fundamental duties.
  • Fundamental duties under Article 51A were added by 42nd Amendment.
  • They were included under Part IV-A of the Constitution on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
  • Originally 10 in number, increased to 11 by the 86th Amendment.
  • The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the Constitution of the USSR.
    • None of the Constitutions of major democratic countries like the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Australia and so on specifically contain a list of duties of citizens.
    • The Japanese Constitution is, perhaps, the only democratic Constitution in the world which contains a list of duties of citizens.
  • Some of the Fundamental Duties are moral duties while others are civic duties.
  • They reflect the values of the Indian tradition, mythology, religions and practices.
  • Unlike Fundamental Rights, the Fundamental Duties are confined to citizens only and do not extend to foreigners.
  • Like the Directive Principles, the fundamental duties are also non-justiciable. The Constitution does not provide for their direct enforcement by the courts.
  • There is no legal sanction against their violation. However, the Parliament is free to enforce them through legislation.

 

List of Fundamental Duties:

  • To abide by the Constitution and Respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
  • To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national Struggle for freedom.
  • To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
  • To defend the country and render national Service when called upon to do so.
  • To promote harmony and spirit of common brotherhood amongst all people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or Sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
  • To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
  • To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.
  • To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
  • To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
  • To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement.
  • A parent or guardian, to provide opportunities for education to his child between 6 to 14 years of age. (Added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002).

 

Importance of the Fundamental Duties:

  • They serve as a reminder to the citizens that while enjoying their rights, they should also be aware of their duties they owe to their society, and their country.
  • They serve as a warning against the anti national and antisocial activities like burning the national flag, destroying public property and so on.
  • They serve as a source of inspiration for the citizens.
  • They create a feeling that the citizens are active participants in democracy.
  • They help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional validity of a law.
  • They are enforceable by law. Hence, the Parliament can provide for the imposition of penalty or punishment for failure to fulfill any of them.

 

Way forward:

  • Need of the hour is to remind citizens that fundamental duties are as important as fundamental rights under the Constitution.
  • The time has come to balance rights, liberties and freedoms, and Fundamental duties.

 

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-are-the-fundamental-duties-of-indias-citizens-7785426/