NCERT Class 11 Political Science — Chapter 3: Rights in the indian Constitution

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Which statement correctly describes the legal nature of the Directive Principles of State Policy?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThey are binding on the private sector but not the government.
BThey automatically override Fundamental Rights in case of conflict.
CThey are non-justiciable guidelines for the government.
DThey are legally enforceable by the courts in case of violation.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is They are non-justiciable guidelines for the government..

Explanation

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are enumerated in Part IV (Articles 36-51) of the Constitution of India. They function as constitutional instructions to the State for establishing a just social and economic order. Their legal status is defined specifically under Article 37.

Option Analysis:

They are non-justiciable guidelines for the government. is Correct: Article 37 explicitly declares that the provisions contained in Part IV shall not be enforceable by any court. This makes them non-justiciable. However, the same article states that these principles are "fundamental in the governance of the country," and it is the duty of the State to apply them in making laws.
They are legally enforceable by the courts in case of violation. is Incorrect: Unlike Fundamental Rights (Part III), which are justiciable (enforceable via writs under Articles 32 and 226), DPSPs cannot be enforced through the courts. A citizen cannot compel the government to implement a specific directive through legal action.
They automatically override Fundamental Rights in case of conflict. is Incorrect: DPSPs do not automatically override Fundamental Rights. The Supreme Court, in the Minerva Mills case (1980), held that the Constitution is founded on the balance between Fundamental Rights and DPSP. While Article 31C provides that laws implementing Article 39They are legally enforceable by the courts in case of violation. and 39They automatically override Fundamental Rights in case of conflict. are protected even if they violate Articles 14 and 19, there is no general supremacy of DPSP over Fundamental Rights.
They are binding on the private sector but not the government. is Incorrect: DPSPs are directions to the "State" (as defined in Article 36 read with Article 12), which includes the central and state governments, parliament, state legislatures, and local authorities. They are not binding mandates directed at the private sector.

Key Takeaway:
Article 37 defines the unique legal nature of DPSPs: they are non-justiciable (unenforceable by courts) yet fundamental in governance, creating a moral and political obligation for the State rather than a legal one.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Rights in the indian Constitution

The 'Right against Exploitation' in the Indian Constitution specifically prohibits which of the following? 1. Begar 2. Buying and selling of human beings 3. Employment of children below 14 years in hazardous jobs 4. Employment of women in night shifts

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Which report is historically associated with the first explicit demand for a "Bill of Rights" in India?

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The abolition of titles under the Right to Equality allows for exceptions in which fields?

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In the context of the Right against Exploitation, what does the term "Begar" refer to?

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Which of the following powers does the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) NOT possess?

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Solution

The correct option is They are non-justiciable guidelines for the government..

Explanation

Option Analysis:

They are non-justiciable guidelines for the government. is Correct: Article 37 explicitly declares that the provisions contained in Part IV shall not be enforceable by any court. This makes them non-justiciable. However, the same article states that these principles are "fundamental in the governance of the country," and it is the duty of the State to apply them in making laws.
They are legally enforceable by the courts in case of violation. is Incorrect: Unlike Fundamental Rights (Part III), which are justiciable (enforceable via writs under Articles 32 and 226), DPSPs cannot be enforced through the courts. A citizen cannot compel the government to implement a specific directive through legal action.
They automatically override Fundamental Rights in case of conflict. is Incorrect: DPSPs do not automatically override Fundamental Rights. The Supreme Court, in the Minerva Mills case (1980), held that the Constitution is founded on the balance between Fundamental Rights and DPSP. While Article 31C provides that laws implementing Article 39They are legally enforceable by the courts in case of violation. and 39They automatically override Fundamental Rights in case of conflict. are protected even if they violate Articles 14 and 19, there is no general supremacy of DPSP over Fundamental Rights.
They are binding on the private sector but not the government. is Incorrect: DPSPs are directions to the "State" (as defined in Article 36 read with Article 12), which includes the central and state governments, parliament, state legislatures, and local authorities. They are not binding mandates directed at the private sector.