With reference to the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. They shall be enforceable by courts. 2. They shall not be enforceable by any court. 3. The principles laid down in this part are to influence the making of laws by the State. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Part IV contains the Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36–51).
• Article 37 says these principles 'shall not be enforceable by any court' but are 'fundamental in the governance of the country' and it is the duty of the State to apply them in making laws.
• Statement 2 and statement 3 therefore restate Article 37 correctly; statement 1 contradicts it.
• Courts nevertheless use DPSPs to interpret laws and to uphold legislation implementing them (Article 31C).
• Hence 2 and 3 only, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: Article 37 makes DPSPs non-enforceable.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 3 is also correct: DPSPs guide law-making.
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- Statement 1 is wrong; statement 2 is correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.