FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES

Fundamental Duties

Unlike fundamental rights, the fundamental duties are non-justiciable in nature. The idea and expression of fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution were inspired by the Russian Constitution (erstwhile USSR). The government of India set up a committee under the leadership of Sardar Swaran Singh for examining the scenario of fundamental duties in India.

The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added 10 Fundamental Duties to the Indian Constitution. Later  86th Amendment Act 2002 added 11th Fundamental Duty to the list. Swaran Singh Committee in 1976 recommended Fundamental Duties, the necessity of which was felt during the internal emergency of 1975-77. The Fundamental Duties dealt with Article 51A under Part-IV A of the Indian Constitution.

The fundamental duties got constitutional status by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976. At present, the Indian Constitution provides 11 fundamental duties for Indian citizens to follow. The list of fundamental duties is explained given below:

1. Abide by the Indian Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
2. Cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
3. Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
4. Defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so
5. Promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
6. To preserve and value the country’s rich heritage with its composite culture.
7. To protect and improve the natural environment including the forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for the living creatures.
8. To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the rational spirit of inquiry and reform.
9. To safeguard the property in the public domain and to abjure violence.
10. To strive towards excellence in all the spheres of individual and collective activity so that India constantly rises to the higher levels of endeavor and achievement.
11. Provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years. This duty was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002

Importance of Fundamental Duties:

For a successful democracy, both fundamental rights and fundamental duties must co-exist. The fundamental duties are considered the inalienable provision of the fundamental rights. The essence of the fundamental duties can be understood by the following points:

1. They remind Indian Citizens of their duty towards their society, fellow citizens and the nation
2. They warn citizens against anti-national and anti-social activities
3. They inspire citizens & promote a sense of discipline and commitment among them
4. They help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional validity of a law.

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