- The Directive Principles of State Policy are enumerated in Part IV of the Constitution from Articles 36 to 51.
- Borrowed from the Irish Constitution.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described these principles as ‘novel features’ of the Indian Constitution.
- The Directive Principles, along with the Fundamental Rights, contain the philosophy of the Constitution.
Why was DPSP not implemented when the Constitution was made?
- Non-Justiciable Nature: Article 37 explicitly states DPSPs are not legally enforceable by courts — citizens cannot approach the Supreme Court or High Court for their violation
- Lack of Financial Resources: Implementing comprehensive welfare measures like universal free education, free legal aid, and public assistance requires enormous funds that the newly formed, impoverished Indian state did not possess.
- Vast Diversity and Backwardness: The country was highly heterogeneous and socially backward. A uniform application of all principles across all regions was impractical. The non-justiciable nature allowed the state to prioritize policies based on varying regional and community needs.
- Need for Policy Flexibility: The framers wanted to give future governments the freedom and flexibility to choose the timing, method, and scope of implementing these broad socio-economic goals as the country’s capabilities grew.
- Trust in Future Public Opinion: Rather than imposing these policies through the judiciary, the founders trusted the wisdom of the electorate and democratic accountability to compel future governments to progressively enact these principles.
Source: The Hindu