On Constitution Day, the Prime Minister called upon citizens to uphold their fundamental duties and actively contribute to strengthening India’s democratic framework.

Constitutional Status of Fundamental Duties

• Constitutional Provision: Enshrined in Article 51A (Part IVA), inserted by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
• Committee Recommendation: Recommended by the Swaran Singh Committee (1976).
• Amendments: Originally 10 duties. 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 added the 11th duty.
• Purpose: To outline the moral obligations of citizens and promote patriotism, unity, and integrity of the nation.
• Nature: Non-justiciable in nature, as courts cannot enforce them, but they remain essential for governance and citizen responsibility.

Relationship between Rights and Duties

• Complementary Nature: Rights and duties are complementary and interdependent, as one cannot be meaningfully exercised without the fulfilment of the other.
• Balance in Democracy: Duties ensure that the enjoyment of individual rights does not violate the rights of others or harm societal harmony.
• Moral Linkage: Duties foster discipline, respect for institutions, and constitutional values, thereby reinforcing the ethical framework within which rights are exercised.
• Sustainable Rights: Rights remain meaningful only when citizens fulfil their duties; duties provide the foundation for the long-term sustenance of rights.