Question 36 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Polity

Question

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

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Both 1 and 2

Strategy: Confirm the core purpose of Directive Principles as establishing socio-economic democracy and verify their non-enforceable nature by courts.

Key Info: Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are enshrined in Part IV (Articles 36–51) of the Indian Constitution. Their primary aim is to guide the State in establishing a just social order and reflect the vision of socio-economic democracy.

**Core Aspects**
- **Purpose:** To promote social welfare, economic equity, and political justice, guiding the State toward a socio-economic democracy.
- **Legal Status:** They are non-justiciable, meaning they are not legally enforceable by courts. However, as per Article 37, they are fundamental in the governance of the country, and the State has a duty to apply them in making laws.
- **Inspiration:** The principles are inspired by the Irish Constitution.

**Illustrative Articles**
- **Article 39:** Equal pay for equal work and adequate means of livelihood.
- **Article 41:** Right to work, education, and public assistance.
- **Article 44:** Uniform civil code.
- **Article 48:** Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry.

**Judicial Interpretation**
The Supreme Court has consistently affirmed the non-justiciable character of the DPSPs in cases such as State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951) and the Minerva Mills case (1980), while also emphasizing their importance in guiding policy.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Neither 1 nor 2

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?

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?