Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Fundamental Rights
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of which parts of the Constitution of India are justiciable, meaning they can be directly enforced by Courts of Law. The Constitution contains Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and Fundamental Duties, each with a different legal status. Knowing which of these can be the basis of a direct legal action is a common and important point in Indian polity questions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Fundamental Rights under Part III are guaranteed and protected by the Constitution, and Article 32 and Article 226 allow individuals to directly approach the Supreme Court or High Courts for their enforcement. This makes them justiciable. Directive Principles of State Policy, under Part IV, are expressly stated as non justiciable in Article 37; they are fundamental in the governance of the country but cannot be enforced by any court. Fundamental Duties, under Part IV A, are moral obligations of citizens and are also not directly enforceable through court actions in the same way as Fundamental Rights, although laws may be made to give effect to them. Thus, among the given options, only Fundamental Rights are directly justiciable.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine Fundamental Rights. These include rights such as equality before law, freedom of speech and expression, freedom of religion, and protection of life and personal liberty. The Constitution provides specific remedies, including the right to constitutional remedies under Article 32, allowing individuals to move the Supreme Court for enforcement. This makes them justiciable.Step 2: Examine Directive Principles of State Policy. Article 37 clearly states that the provisions contained in Part IV shall not be enforceable by any court. They are guidelines for the State to follow in governance and law making but do not create enforceable individual rights by themselves.Step 3: Examine Fundamental Duties. These duties urge citizens to follow important civic responsibilities such as respecting the Constitution, protecting the environment, and safeguarding public property. However, there is no direct constitutional remedy for their violation, and courts do not enforce them as independent causes of action, although they may influence interpretation of laws.Step 4: Therefore, among the options, Fundamental Rights are the only category that is justiciable in nature and directly enforceable by courts, so Option c is correct.
Verification / Alternative check:
Standard polity texts emphasise that Fundamental Rights are a cornerstone of the Indian Constitution and can be enforced through writs such as habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto. They explicitly describe Directive Principles as non justiciable, meant to guide the State but not directly enforceable in courts. Fundamental Duties are also described as non justiciable moral obligations. This consistent description across textbooks confirms that only Fundamental Rights are justiciable among the options provided.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Fundamental Duties are not directly enforceable in court; they guide citizens' behaviour and may influence legislation, but individuals cannot ordinarily file a case solely on the ground that someone has violated a Fundamental Duty, so Option a is incorrect.
Directive Principles of State Policy are explicitly declared non justiciable by Article 37, which means courts cannot compel the State to implement them, so Option b is also incorrect.
Option d, None of these, is wrong because it ignores the clear justiciable character of Fundamental Rights.
Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may be misled by the importance of Directive Principles or Fundamental Duties and think that because they are significant, they must be directly enforceable. Others may quickly read the options and overthink, suspecting a trick where none exists. To avoid such errors, remember the simple rule: Fundamental Rights are enforceable in court, Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties are not, although they are important for governance and civic life. This straightforward distinction answers many similar questions in Indian polity.
Final Answer:
Fundamental Rights are justiciable in nature and can be directly enforced by Courts of Law in India.
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