Fundamental Duties

Q.1.In the context of India, which one of the following is the correct relationship

between Rights and Duties? (UPSC,2017)

(a) Rights are correlative with Duties.

(b) Rights are personal and hence independent of society and Duties.

(d) Duties, not Rights, are important for the stability of the State

Ans: (a)

Exp:

In constitutional jurisprudence, Rights and Duties are correlative concepts. This means that the existence of a right in one person necessarily implies a corresponding duty in another.

In India:

Part III (Fundamental Rights) protects individual freedoms.
Part IVA (Article 51A – Fundamental Duties) reminds citizens of their civic obligations.

Thus, the relationship is not hierarchical but reciprocal and complementary.

Examples:

Article 21A guarantees the Right to Education to children aged 6–14 years, while Article 51A(k) imposes a corresponding Fundamental Duty on parents/guardians to provide opportunities for education to their children/wards. Thus, Rights and Duties are complementary and correlative.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Q.2.“It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment”?.

The above statement refers to which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India? U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998

(a) Article 21

(b) Article 48-A

(d) Article 56

Ans: (c)

Exp:

The statement —

“It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment” —

is taken from Article 51A (g) of the Constitution of India.

Article 51A

Inserted by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
Located in Part IV-A (Fundamental Duties).
Clause (g) states that it is the duty of every citizen:
“To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.”
Therefore, ption (c) is the correct answer.

Q.3.The concept of Fundamental Duties has been taken from- U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2004

(a) American Constitution

(b) British Constitution

(d) French Constitution

Ans: (c)

Exp:

The concept of Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution has been borrowed from the Constitution of the former USSR (Soviet Union).

Fundamental Duties were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
They are incorporated in Part IV-A under Article 51A.
The idea of explicitly listing citizens’ duties was inspired by the Soviet Union Constitution

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.4.Which of the following statements is/are true of the Fundamental Duties of an Indian citizen? (UPSC 2017)

1. A legislative process has been provided to enforce these duties.

2. They are correlative to legal duties.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)

Exp:

The Fundamental Duties are enumerated under Article 51A (Part IVA) of the Constitution. They are non-justiciable, meaning they are not directly enforceable by courts.
Although Parliament may enact laws to give effect to certain duties (for example, laws against disrespect to the National Flag or damage to public property), the Constitution itself does not prescribe a specific legislative enforcement mechanism for Fundamental Duties. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
Fundamental Duties are not strictly correlative to legal duties in the juristic sense. In legal theory, a correlative relationship implies that one person’s duty corresponds directly to another person’s enforceable right. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
However, the duties enumerated under Article 51A (Part IVA) do not automatically generate corresponding legal rights in favour of other individuals or the State. They are primarily moral and civic obligations, incorporated to remind citizens of their responsibilities toward the nation, constitutional values, and collective life.
While Parliament may enact laws to operationalize certain duties, the duties themselves do not, by their mere existence, create enforceable reciprocal rights.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Q.5.The provisions relating to Fundamental Duties in the Constitution of India were added on the

recommendation of: U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012

(a) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee

(b) Iyengar Committee

(d) Thakkar Commission

Ans: (c)

Exp :

The provisions relating to Fundamental Duties were incorporated into the Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 during the tenure of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The recommendation to include Fundamental Duties was made by the Swaran Singh Committee in 1976.
During the Emergency period (1975–77), the government felt that citizens should also be made aware of their obligations toward the nation. Accordingly:
The Swaran Singh Committee recommended the inclusion of a separate chapter on Fundamental Duties.
Based on its recommendation, Part IV-A was inserted.
Article 51A was added, initially containing 10 Fundamental Duties.
Later, the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 added the 11th duty (regarding education of children).

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.6.Which of the following were members of the Swaran Singh Committee (1976)? R.A.S/R.T.S (Pre) 2018

(A) A.R. Antulay

(B) S.S. Ray

(D) C.M. Stephen

Select the correct answer using code given below:

Codes :

(a) (A), (B), (C) and (D)

(b) (A), (B) and (C)

(d) (B), (C) and (D)

Ans: (c)

Exp:

The Swaran Singh Committee(1976) consisted of Sardar Swaran Singh as Chairman, along with S. S. Ray, V. N. Gadgil, B. N. Banerjee, Dinesh Goswami, D. P. Singh, C. M. Stephen, H. R. Gokhale, Rajni Patel, V. A. Sayed Muhammed, A. R. Antulay, and Vasant Sathe.
Haridev Joshi was not a member of this committee.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.7.Which of the following statements regarding Fundamental Duties is not true: U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003

(a) They can be enforced by writs

(b) They can be promoted only by constitutional methods

(d) The performance of any particular duty comes within the sphere of constitutional law which court has to decide

Ans: (a)

Exp:

Unlike Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable.
Fundamental Duties are not enforceable by courts through writ jurisdiction under Articles 32 or 226. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
There is no direct legal remedy for violation of Fundamental Duties.
However, Parliament may enact laws to give effect to them (e.g., Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act).
They can be promoted only by constitutional methods. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Two specific clauses are relevant:
Article 51A(a) – To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions.
Article 51A(c) – To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
These provisions imply that citizens must pursue political or social objectives within the framework of the Constitution.
Courts have treated Fundamental Duties as reinforcing constitutional discipline.
For instance, in AIIMS Students' Union v. AIIMS, the Supreme Court emphasized that duties strengthen constitutional order and civic responsibility.
Thus, they can be used for interpreting ambiguous statutes. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
The performance of any particular duty comes within the sphere of constitutional law which court has to decide
While duties are non-justiciable, when legislation is enacted to enforce a duty, courts may determine:
Scope of the duty
Validity of related legislation
Constitutional compliance. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Q.8.Which of the following duties have been prescribed by the

Indian Constitution as Fundamental Duties? U.P.B.E.O. (Pre) 2019

1. To defend the country

2. To pay income tax

3. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture

4. To safeguard the public property

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Codes :

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 4

(d) 1, 3 and 4

Ans: (d)

Exp:

Fundamental Duties are contained in Article 51A (Part IVA) of the Constitution of India. They were inserted by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act and later expanded by the 86th Constitutional Amendment.
Article 51A(d) expressly provides that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The Constitution does not include payment of income tax as a Fundamental Duty. Although the Swaran Singh Committee recommended inclusion of such a duty, Parliament did not incorporate it into Article 51A. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
Article 51A(f) states that it is the duty of every citizen to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Article 51A(i) provides that every citizen has the duty to safeguard public property and to abjure violence. Hence,statement 4 is correct.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Q.9.Under the Constitution of India which of the following is NOT Fundamental Duty? U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2021

(a) To vote in General Election

(b) To develop the scientific temper

(d) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideas

Ans: (a)

Exp:

The Fundamental Duties are enumerated under Article 51A of the Constitution of India, inserted by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee. Later, one more duty was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002.

Let us examine the options:

(b) To develop the scientific temper – This is expressly mentioned under Article 51A(h).
(c) To safeguard public property – Provided under Article 51A(i).
(d) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions – Mentioned under Article 51A(a).

However,

(a) To vote in the General Election – This is not included as a Fundamental Duty under Article 51A.
Voting is a statutory right, governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1951, not a constitutional duty.
Therefore,option (a) is the correct answer.

Q.10.“To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India” is a provision made in the : (UPSC,2015)

(a) Preamble of the Constitution

(b) Directive Principles of State Policy

(d) Fundamental Duties

Ans: (d)

Exp:

The expression “To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India” is specifically mentioned in Article 51A(c) of the Constitution of India.

The Preamble contains the expression “Unity and Integrity of the Nation” (added by the 42nd Amendment), but it does not impose a duty upon citizens to uphold and protect it. The wording in the question reflects the language of Article 51A(c), not the Preamble.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Q.11.Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/

reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)? (UPSC,2020)

1. Preamble

2. Directive Principles of State Policy

3. Fundamental Duties

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Exp:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations in 1948 laid down civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights for all human beings.
The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, substantially reflects these principles in multiple parts — not limited to Fundamental Rights.
The question specifically asks: Other than Fundamental Rights, which parts reflect UDHR principles?
Preamble: The Preamble embodies core human rights values:
Justice (social, economic, political) → UDHR Articles 22–26
Liberty (thought, expression, belief, faith, worship) → UDHR Articles 18–19
Equality → UDHR Articles 1 & 7
Fraternity → Human dignity concept (Article 1)
The emphasis on dignity of the individual directly mirrors the foundational philosophy of the UDHR.
Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
The DPSPs (Part IV) reflect socio-economic rights similar to those found in the UDHR:
Right to work (UDHR Article 23)
Right to education (UDHR Article 26)
Right to adequate standard of living (UDHR Article 25)
Equal pay for equal work
Public health and welfare
Though non-justiciable, DPSPs aim to create conditions necessary for realisation of human rights.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Fundamental Duties
Added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, Fundamental Duties (Article 51A) reflect:
Respect for Constitution and national ideals
Promotion of harmony
Protection of environment
Preservation of heritage
While UDHR mainly lists rights, it also recognizes that individuals have duties to the community (Article 29 of UDHR).
Thus, Fundamental Duties correspond to the spirit of collective responsibility embedded in the UDHR framework.
Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Q.12.Which of the following is/are among the Fundamental Duties of citizens laid down

in the Indian Constitution? (2012)

1. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture

2. To protect the weaker sections from social injustice

3. To develop the scientific temper and the spirit of inquiry

4. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (c)

Exp:

To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture:

This duty is explicitly provided under Article 51A(f). It reflects the constitutional commitment to cultural pluralism and civilizational continuity. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

To protect the weaker sections from social injustice:

This is not a Fundamental Duty. Rather, it falls within the domain of the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV), particularly Article 46, which directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections and protect them from social injustice and exploitation. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

To develop the scientific temper and the spirit of inquiry

This is expressly mentioned under Article 51A(h). It embodies the constitutional aspiration to foster rationality, humanism, and reformative thinking in society. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity
This duty is provided under Article 51A(j). It aims to promote national development through individual and collective advancement. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.13.Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below the lists : U.P.B.E.O. (Pre) 2019

List-I (Subjects)	List-II(Related Articles ofIndian Constitution)
A. To foster respect for international law	1. Article 51-A (h)
B. To have compassion for living creatures	2. Article 51 (c)
C. To develop spirit of inquiry and reform	3. Article 50
D. To separate judiciary from the executive in Public Service of the State	4. Article 51A (g)

Codes :

A B C D

(a) 1 2 3 4

(b) 2 4 1 3

(d) 3 1 4 2

Ans:(b)

Exp:

A. To foster respect for international law → Article 51(c)

B. To have compassion for living creatures → Article 51A(g)

C. To develop spirit of inquiry and reform → Article 51A(h)

D. To separate judiciary from the executive in public services of the State → Article 50

Final Answer: A–2, B–4, C–1, D–3

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.