Constitutional Law - Unit IV: Directive Principles of State Policy & Fundamental Duties

Unit IV: Directive Principles of State Policy & Fundamental Duties Philosophy and objectives of DPSP. Relationship between DPSP and Fundamental Rights. Fundamental Duties: scope and significance.

This class is intended for students to understand the philosophical vision of the Constitution, reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and Fundamental Duties. Students will learn how DPSPs represent the aspirations of a welfare state, guiding governance in matters like social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection. They will study the relationship between DPSPs and Fundamental Rights, including conflicts and harmonization (e.g., Minerva Mills v Union of India). The class will also cover the scope and significance of Fundamental Duties, introduced by the 42nd Amendment, and their relevance in balancing rights with responsibilities.
Students should bring the bare act and research a recent judgment or news report where DPSPs or Duties were invoked in court. By the end of this class, students will be able to critically assess how non-justiciable provisions influence state policy and how Duties foster responsible citizenship in a constitutional democracy.