Fundamental Rights, DPSP and Fundamental Duties

Fundamental Rights (Part III, Articles 12–35)

Six rights: Equality (14–18), Freedom (19–22), Against Exploitation (23–24), Freedom of Religion (25–28), Cultural & Educational (29–30) and Constitutional Remedies (Article 32). Dr. Ambedkar called Article 32 the "heart and soul" of the Constitution. The Right to Property was removed by the 44th Amendment (1978).

Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV, Articles 36–51)

Borrowed from Ireland. Not enforceable in courts but fundamental to governance. Examples: equal pay for equal work (39), village panchayats (40), uniform civil code (44).

Fundamental Duties (Part IVA, Article 51A)

Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on the Swaran Singh Committee's recommendation; borrowed from the USSR. Originally 10, now 11 (86th Amendment, 2002 added duty to educate children aged 6–14).

Exam tips

1. Article 21A (Right to Education) was added by the 86th Amendment.
2. Writs: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto.

Analogy

Fundamental Rights are like the brakes of a car, DPSPs like its GPS. Brakes (rights) work instantly and a court can enforce them. The GPS (directive principles) shows the route the government should take, but nobody can force the driver to follow it.