Fundamental Duties (India)

TANMOY MUKHERJI INSTITUTE OF JURIDICAL SCIENCE

Dr. Tanmoy Mukherji

Advocate

Fundamental Duties (India)

Tanmoy Mukherji

Advocate

Fundamental Duties are moral and civic obligations of citizens, incorporated in Part IVA (Article 51A) of the Constitution of India. They were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. One more duty was added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002.

→Article 51A – List of Fundamental Duties

It shall be the duty of every citizen of India:

→To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.

→To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.

→To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.

→To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.

→To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood transcending religious, linguistic and regional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.

→To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.

→To protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.

→To develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.

→To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.

→To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.

→To provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years. (Added by the 86th Amendment, 2002)

Nature of Fundamental Duties-

Importance of Fundamental Duties-

Reference Cases-

Fundamental Duties under Article 51A play a crucial role in maintaining constitutional balance by reminding citizens that enjoyment of rights must be accompanied by the discharge of duties. Though non-justiciable, they serve as guiding principles for responsible citizenship and democratic governance.