Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy : 1. The Principles spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country. 2. The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Why the answer is (c)
• The Directive Principles (Part IV) set out the goals of a welfare state — social and economic justice, living wage, equal pay, health, education — thus spelling out socio-economic democracy, while Fundamental Rights secure political democracy (statement 1).
• Article 37 makes them non-justiciable — not enforceable by any court — though fundamental in governance (statement 2).
• Hence both 1 and 2, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 2 is also correct: DPSPs are non-justiciable.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 1 is also correct: DPSPs embody socio-economic democracy.
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- Both statements are correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015, held on 23 August 2015. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.