With reference to the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- They shall be enforceable by courts.
- They shall not be enforceable by any court.
- The principles laid down in this part are to influence the making of laws by the State.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 2 and 3 only
Part IV of the Constitution contains the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSs), which are non-justiciable guidelines for governance. According to Article 37, these principles are not enforceable by any court but are fundamental in the governance of the country, and it is the duty of the State to apply them while making laws.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: DPSPs are explicitly non-justiciable and cannot be enforced by courts under Article 37.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Article 37 clearly states that provisions in Part IV shall not be enforceable by any court.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Article 37 mandates that these principles are fundamental in governance and must guide the State in making laws to establish social and economic democracy.
📝 Short Notes: Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV)
- Nature: Non-justiciable rights (cannot be enforced by courts) but fundamental in governance (Article 37)
- Purpose: To establish social and economic democracy; guide State policy and law-making
- Classification: Socialistic principles (Articles 38-41), Gandhian principles (Articles 40, 43, 46-48), Liberal-intellectual principles (Articles 44, 45, 49-51)
- Contrast with Fundamental Rights: Part III rights are justiciable and enforceable; DPSPs are non-justiciable but supplementary
- Constitutional Status: Added by the Constituent Assembly to balance individual rights with social welfare goals
- Judicial Interpretation: Supreme Court has held that DPSPs and Fundamental Rights are complementary; both must be harmoniously interpreted (Minerva Mills case)
Question 1 of 7 Nature and Characteristics of DPSPs
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First question in this topic
Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, the D...