Fundamental Duties of Citizens

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Fundamental duties in historical perspective. 3. Concept of fundamental duties. 4. Constitutional philosophy of fundamental duties in India. 5. Comparative study of fundamental duties. 6. Fundamental duties and judicial response in India. 7. Conclusion and suggestions. Bibliography. Index.

The inclusion of fundamental duties in the constitution has brought out constitution not only in line with international instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966, but more importantly, this has clad the constitution with an aura distinctly ‘Bhartiya’ that is Indian.

The fundamental duties have been criticized for being ambiguously worded, with the real meaning of phrases like “scientific temper” and “spirit of enquiry and reform” before debated. As the duties cannot be enforced through courts, their relevance to practical affairs is questioned. However, actions damaging public property and showing disrespect to the National Flag are offences punishable by law. Similarly, people may be called upon to defend the country by compulsorily recruitment to the armed forces of the country through conscription. Certain duties, which are enjoined on every citizen for compliance and are enforceable as sacrosanct as the fundamental rights.

Certain duties are enjoined on every citizen for compliance and re enforceable as sacrosanct as the Fundamental Rights. These include: (i) Patriotism, (ii) Harmony and Spirit of common brotherhood amongst the People of India, (iii) Humanism, (iv) Cherishing and following the noble ideals which inspired our National struggle for freedom, and (v) Striving towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievements.