Hello dear students, hope you are doing well. Welcome to the lecture on Fundamental Duties Part 4a of the Constitution of India. In the rich tapestry of Indian Constitution, there exists a subtle yet profound chapter that speaks to very core of our responsibilities as citizens, that is the Fundamental Duties. The integration of Fundamental Duties into the Indian Constitution in 1976 facilitated by the forty second amendment stands as consequential epauch in the constitution the inspiration for these duties can be traced back to the union of soviet socialist republics framed with the intention of enlightening indian citizens about their responsibilities towards the society fellow-citizens and the nation fundamental duties also serve as a deterrent against activities deemed anti-national and anti-social. Encouraging citizens to cultivate wisdom, these duties underscore the individual's pivotal role in the holistic growth and development of the nation.
Acknowledging the importance of these duties becomes imperative in safeguarding the liberty and integrity of individuals, fostering a life of happiness and peace. Part 4a outlines the essential obligations of Indian citizens with Article 51a serving as the defining section for all the fundamental duties. The inception of these duties took place through the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution. Initially formed to conduct a thorough examination of the Constitution, the Swansingh Committee established by Indira Gandhi proposed the inclusion of fundamental duties.
In 1976, the committee successfully integrated 10 fundamental duties into the Indian constitution. Subsequently, in 2002, an additional fundamental duty was incorporated through the 86th Amendment Act. It is worth noting that adherence to these fundamental duties is not mandatory for every citizen. Nevertheless, they play a pivotal role in fostering the nation's development. These duties are indispensable for promoting unity, harmony and integrity within the country.
There are 11 fundamental duties written in our Constitution of India. Let's understand those 10 fundamental duties which were added previously in 1976. first to abide by the constitution and respect its ideas and institution the national flag and the national anthem it is the responsibility of every citizen to honor and support the principles and establishments outlined in the constitution including democracy secularism and socialism additionally citizens are encouraged to show reverence for national symbols like the national flag and the national anthem second to cherish and follow the noble ideas which inspired our national struggle for freedom this duty calls upon every citizen of india to honour and embrace the ideas of the indian freedom struggle such as non-violence equality and justice it underscores the significance of respecting the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. Third, to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
This duty mandates every citizen of India to protect the country's sovereignty, unity and integrity against any potential threats. It stresses the importance of national security and fostering a sense of patriotism. to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
This duty requires every citizen of India to be prepared to defend the country from both external and internal threats. It also highlights the value of engaging in the national service such as volunteering for social causes. Fifth, to promote harmony, the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities. This duty demands that every citizen of India promotes communal harmony and brotherhood among the diverse population irrespective of religion, language or region.
It underscores the significance of national integration and social unity. Sixth, to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. This duty obliges every citizen of India to respect and preserve the rich culture heritage of the nation, comprising various cultures, religions and traditions. It emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity in maintaining national unity.
Seventh, to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures. This duty obliges every citizen of India. to respect and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the nation comprising various cultures religions and traditions it emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity in maintaining national unity it to develop the scientific temper humanism and spirit of inquiry and reform this duty compels every citizen of india to cultivate a scientific mindset and a spirit of inquiry and reform it underscores the importance of scientific and rational thinking in the nation's progress ninth to safeguard public property and to adjure violence this duty mandates every citizen of india to safeguard public property and renounce violence it emphasizes the importance of non-violence and the responsible use of public resources.
Tenth, to strive for excellence in all the individuals and collective pursuits propelling the nation to higher levels of achievement. This duty requires every citizen of India to aim for excellence in all personal and collective endeavours. It underscores the significance of hard work, dedication and excellence in the nation's advancement in two thousand and two one more fundamental duty was added in the indian constitution under eighty sixth amendment that is eleventh to ensure access to education for their child or ward aged between six and fourteen years this duty obligates every parent or a guardian to provide educational opportunities for their child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years it underscores the importance of education in individual development and national progress features of fundamental duties the main features of fundamental duties are ethical and civil responsibility encompassing both moral and civil dimensions the fundamental duties encompass obligations such as upholding the lofty ideas of the freedom struggle as outlined in Article 51A, Clause B, that is, a moral duty, and demonstrating reverence for the Constitution, National Flag and National Anthem under 51A, Clause A, that is, a civic duty. Rooted in the indigenous ethos, the bedrock of the fundamental duties lies in values deeply ingrained in Indian traditions, methodology, religious tenets and societal practices. An illustrative example is the duty to repudiate practices derogatory to the dignity of a woman, a principle deeply rooted in the Indian tradition throughout the ages.
Applicable to citizens. diverging from certain fundamental rights. that extend universally encompassing both citizens and non-citizens the fundamental duties specifically pertain to indian citizens non justiciable analogous to the non justiciable nature of the directive principles of the state policy the fundamental duties are not subject to judicial enforcement nevertheless the parliament retains the authority to institute the enforcement of these duties through apt legislation.
Importance of Fundamental Duties Fundamental duties exemplify an individual's commitment to their society, fellow citizens and the nation, playing a pivotal role in preserving harmony across the entire nation. Their significance lies in upholding the constitutional validity of laws. Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi emphasized that the ethical significance of fundamental duties lies in creating a democratic equilibrium.
It involves instilling in individuals an equal awareness of their duties alongside their rights without diminishing the inherent importance of the rights themselves. The significance of fundamental duties can be underscored from the following perspectives. Reinforcing citizen responsibility The incorporation of fundamental duties acts as a reminder to the citizens, emphasising that alongside the enjoyment of rights, they bear responsibility towards their country, society and fellow citizens.
Cautioning against anti-national activities Fundamental duties serve as a cautionary measure against engaging in activities deemed anti-national or anti-social, such as being disrespectful towards the national flag or the destruction of public property. They contribute to cultivating a sense of respect and veneration for national symbol and communal resources. FOSRING discipline and dedication fundamental duties serve as a source of inspiration instilling a sense of discipline and commitment among citizens by encouraging active participation in realizing national goal they promote collective efforts towards nation building contributing to constitutional validity determination fundamental duties play a role in judicial review process. As per a 1992 Supreme Court ruling, a court may deem a law reasonable in relation to Article 14 i.e. Equality before the law or Article 19 6 freedoms if the law aligns with fulfilling a fundamental duty thereby averting it from being deemed unconstitutional.
Political rationale. The inclusion of fundamental duties as advocated by H. R. Gokhale, the then law minister and the Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister, was justified as a mechanism to fortify democracy and strike a balance between individual rights and civic rights.
Let's understand the importance of fundamental duties from different aspects. First, relationship between fundamental rights and fundamental duties. The Constitution of India not only safeguards fundamental rights but also delineates fundamental duties with the latter being introduced through the 42nd Amendment in 1976. While fundamental rights have been instituted earlier, whole legal enforceability, the interplay between these rights and fundamental duties underscores their complementary nature. For example, the symbolic relationship between Article 21 and 51a, Clause K exemplifies the reciprocal nature of fundamental duties and the rights.
Article 21 assures the right to education while Article 51A Clause K places the duty on parents and the guardians to provide free and compulsory education for children aged six to fourteen years next is the importance of fundamental duties for indian citizens fundamental duties are integral to personal development delineating an individual's obligation toward society fellow-citizens and the nation they underscore the responsibility of every indian citizen to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of their community and the country. By promoting these duties, individuals are guided towards leading the lives imbued with dignity, happiness and joy. The Constitution of India is founded on principles of equality, ensuring the opportunity are equally accessible to all the citizens, irrespective of their caste, religion or language. It serves as a beacon of inclusively fostering an environment where every individual can thrive. In addition to emphasizing positive responsibility, fundamental duties also serve as a deterrent against anti-national and anti-social activities, promoting a collective commitment to the values and the integrity that define the nation.
through these duties the constitution encourages citizens to uphold a standard of conduct that contributes to the overall welfare of society fostering an atmosphere of harmony and unity next is the importance of fundamental duties for the government of india fundamental duties are crucial for the effective operation of the laws in the Government of India. They elucidate the responsibility of citizens towards their society, fellow citizens and the nation, serving as a guiding framework. These duties play a pivotal role in fostering a peaceful environment across the entire nation, contributing significantly to its development and growth. Moreover, fundamental duties inspire individuals to safeguard natural and public resources, enabling the government to judiciously utilize available resources.
By adhering to these duties, citizens actively contribute to the optimal utilization of resources, alleging with the broader goals of sustainable development. Additionally, fundamental duties play a vital role in forthflying the constitutional validity of laws establishing a robust legal foundation this reinforcement ensures that the legal framework is in harmony with the principles enshrined in the constitution thereby promoting a just and equitable societal order let us have a look on the few important case laws first Boarding and Lodging v. State of Mysore, 1969. The court in this case upheld legislation imposing minimum wages for hotel and restaurant employees, emphasising the importance of social welfare. In another case, Balaji Raghavan v. Union of India, 1995. The court upheld the constitutional validity of national awards, stating that They recognize merit and incentivize citizens to strive for excellence.
In M.C. Mehta v. Kamalna II, 2000, the court invalidated a lease in an ecologically sensitive area and imposed fine for harming the environment, highlighting the duty to protect it. Another case law is Shri Raghunath Mishra. v. Union of India 2003, the court directed the implementation of recommendation to disseminate information on the fundamental duties, including the duty to vote in elections. One more case law that is in Re-Ramlila Maidan Incident v. Home Secretary 2012, the court criticized unreasonable eviction from Ramlila Maidan, emphasized the duty to obey the lawful orders and safeguard the public property.
Let us see advocating for the legal enforcement of fundamental duties throughout the annals of time indian societal values have accorded paramount importance to the concept of as delineated in the ancient scriptures this philosophical tenet underscores the fulfilment of one's duty towards the society the nation and notably one's parents Both the sacred texts of Gita and Ramayana prescribe the conscientious execution of duties, elevating this obligation above the individual rights. It is imperative to compel and execute at the very least a subset of the fundamental duties. It is not worthy that Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties of Citizens in 1990 acknowledged the presence of legal measures to enforce certain fundamental duties. The committee highlighted the provisions such as Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act 1971, which prohibits any disrespect towards the national flag, Constitution of India and the national anthem.
Additionally, the Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955 outlines the following provisions. penalties for the offences related to caste and religion. So, fundamental duties directly affects the fundamental rights ensured under Article 14 i.e.
Equality before Law, 19 i.e. Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech and 21 i.e. Right to life of the Constitution of India. An illustration of this is the growing concern about the misuse of the right to protect with some individual discussing their actions as a form of freedom of speech and expression. This underscores the importance of enforcing fundamental duties to maintain a balance in such situation.
I believe this video offers insightful perspectives on fundamental duties. shedding light on their significant role in India's progress and well-being. These duties outline individual responsibility toward society, fellow citizens and the nation, acting as a deterrent against anti-national and anti-social activities.
They are pivotal in promoting national harmony and integrity, fostering a profound sense of belonging among Indian citizens. Fundamental duties are instrumental in cultivating a collective consciousness, emphasizing the importance of each individual as an exemplary citizen. This framework not only facilitates personal growth and success, but also sustains overall harmony and peace across the nation. The clear articulation of these duties fosters a shared commitment to responsible citizens contributing to the nation's upliftment as a whole there is an urgent need for a consistent approach to ensure effective awareness implementation and enforcement of fundamental duties establishing a standardized policy for comprehensive sensitization practical implementation and enforceability is crucial. Such a policy will significantly enhance citizens'sense of responsibility and civic engagement, ultimately advancing the nation's welfare.
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