Previous Year Question

The Directive Principles of State Policy are constitutional ideals and guidelines that the State is expected to keep in mind while framing laws and public policies.

Article 37 of the Constitution clearly defines their constitutional position. It states that the principles contained in Part IV are not enforceable by any court, but they are fundamental in the governance of the country, and it is the duty of the State to apply them in making laws.

Their broader objective is to establish a social order in which social, economic and political justice informs all institutions of national life. This objective is expressly reflected in Article 38.

Thus, an important distinction exists between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles. Fundamental Rights are judicially enforceable, whereas Directive Principles are generally not directly enforceable by courts. Nevertheless, they provide constitutional direction for governance and public policy.