Q1. Which among the following statements regarding Fundamental Duties is correct?
- Fundamental Duties are enforceable by courts.
- They were inspired by the Constitution of the USSR.
- They were originally part of the Constitution enacted in 1950.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q1. (B)
Explanation
- Statement 1 is incorrect
- Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable, meaning citizens cannot be directly compelled by courts to perform them.
- Unlike Fundamental Rights, no individual can approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 for enforcement of Fundamental Duties.
- However, Parliament can enact laws to operationalise them:
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act
- Environmental protection laws
- Thus, duties are morally obligatory but not directly enforceable constitutional claims.
- Statement 2 is correct
- Fundamental Duties were inspired by the Constitution of the erstwhile USSR (Soviet Union).
- Socialist constitutions emphasized duties of citizens towards the state and society.
- Indian Constitution originally focused heavily on rights; later duties were added to balance civic responsibility with democratic freedoms.
- Statement 3 is incorrect
- The original Constitution of 1950 contained:
- Fundamental Rights (Part III)
- DPSPs (Part IV)
- But no Fundamental Duties.
- They were inserted later through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 during the Emergency period.
- Based on recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
- The original Constitution of 1950 contained:
Q2. The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are contained under:
A. Part III
B. Part IV
C. Part IVA
D. Part V
Q2. (C)
Explanation
- Fundamental Duties are placed under Part IVA of the Constitution.
- They are specifically mentioned in Article 51A.
Constitutional Structure for Clarity
- Part III → Fundamental Rights
- Articles 12–35
- Justiciable and enforceable.
- Part IV → Directive Principles of State Policy
- Articles 36–51
- Non-justiciable directives to the State.
- Part IVA → Fundamental Duties
- Added by 42nd Amendment.
- Contains Article 51A only.
- Part V → Union Government structure
- President, Parliament, Attorney General etc.
Q3. Which one of the following Fundamental Duties was added later than the others?
A. To develop scientific temper
B. To protect public property
C. To provide educational opportunities to children
D. To preserve composite culture
Q3. (C)
Explanation
- Originally, the Constitution had 10 Fundamental Duties inserted through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
- Later, the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 inserted the 11th Fundamental Duty.
What Was Added?
- Article 51A(k):
- Duty of parents/guardians to provide opportunities for education to children aged 6–14 years.
Link with Right to Education
The 86th Amendment simultaneously introduced:
- Article 21A → Right to Education as Fundamental Right.
- Modified Article 45 in DPSPs.
- Added Article 51A(k) as Fundamental Duty.
Thus, the amendment created a constitutional triangle:
| Provision | Nature |
| Article 21A | Fundamental Right |
| Article 45 | DPSP |
| Article 51A(k) | Fundamental Duty |
Q4. Consider the following pairs:
| Fundamental Duty | Article |
| Protect environment | 51A(g) |
| Develop scientific temper | 51A(h) |
| Safeguard public property | 51A(i) |
| Defend the country | 51A(j) |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q4. (A)
Explanation
Correctly Matched
- 51A(g) → Protect environment, forests, lakes and wildlife.
- 51A(h) → Develop scientific temper, humanism and spirit of inquiry.
- 51A(i) → Safeguard public property and abjure violence.
Incorrect Pair
- “Defend the country” is under Article 51A(d), not 51A(j).
What is Article 51A(j)?
- Article 51A(j) states:
- “Strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.”
| Article | Duty |
| 51A(d) | Defend country |
| 51A(e) | Harmony & dignity of women |
| 51A(g) | Environment |
| 51A(h) | Scientific temper |
| 51A(i) | Public property |
| 51A(j) | Excellence |
Conceptual Importance
- Environmental duty under 51A(g) has been widely used by courts in:
- Sustainable development
- Pollution control
- Wildlife protection jurisprudence.
Q5. Which committee recommended incorporation of Fundamental Duties in the Constitution?
A. Sarkaria Committee
B. Swaran Singh Committee
C. Punchhi Commission
D. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
Q5. (B)
Explanation
- The Swaran Singh Committee was constituted during the Emergency period by the Indira Gandhi government.
- It recommended inclusion of Fundamental Duties to:
- Promote discipline
- Strengthen national unity
- Balance rights with civic obligations.
