Article 51A of the Indian Constitution: UPSC 2025 Polity Notes

Actual Article

Article 51A of the Indian Constitution enumerates the Fundamental Duties of citizens. These duties were added by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976, based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. The inclusion of these duties aims to remind citizens that they also have responsibilities towards the nation, complementing their Fundamental Rights.

Text of Article 51A

“It shall be the duty of every citizen of India:

(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;

(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;

(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;

(d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;

(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;

(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;

(g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures;

(h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;

(i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;

(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement;

(k) to provide opportunities for education by the parent or guardian to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.”

UPSC Notes for Article 51A

• Objective: To highlight the responsibilities of citizens towards their nation, promoting a sense of duty and moral obligation.
• Key Provisions:
• Respect for National Symbols: Abiding by the Constitution, respecting the National Flag, and National Anthem.
• Patriotism and National Unity: Upholding the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
• Defending the Nation: Defending the country and rendering national service.
• Social Harmony: Promoting harmony, brotherhood, and renouncing practices derogatory to women’s dignity.
• Cultural Heritage: Valuing and preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage.
• Environmental Protection: Protecting the natural environment and having compassion for living creatures.
• Scientific Temper and Humanism: Developing scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry.
• Public Property: Safeguarding public property and abjuring violence.
• Excellence: Striving towards excellence in all spheres.
• Educational Responsibility: Ensuring educational opportunities for children.
• Significance: Reinforces the idea that with rights come responsibilities. Promotes a balanced approach to citizenship where rights are exercised with an awareness of one’s duties towards society and the nation.

Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 51A

• M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India (1988): The Supreme Court emphasized the duty to protect the environment under Article 51A(g).
• Vishakha vs. State of Rajasthan (1997): Linked the duty to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women with the need to prevent sexual harassment at workplaces.
• Aruna Roy vs. Union of India (2002): Highlighted the importance of developing scientific temper as enshrined in Article 51A(h).

Important Reports Related to Article 51A

• Swaran Singh Committee Report (1976): Recommended the inclusion of Fundamental Duties in the Constitution.
• National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Reports: Emphasize the role of Fundamental Duties in promoting human rights and social justice.
• Law Commission of India Reports: Discuss the legal implications and enforcement of Fundamental Duties.

Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 51A

1. Prelims 2019:

• Which of the following is/are included in the Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Indian Constitution?
  1. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
  2. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
  3. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
  • (a) 1 only
  • (b) 2 and 3 only
  • (c) 1 and 3 only
  • (d) 1, 2, and 3
  • Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3

1. Prelims 2016:

• Which one of the following is a Fundamental Duty of citizens under the Indian Constitution?
  • (a) To provide public assistance in case of emergency.
  • (b) To respect the ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.
  • (c) To promote international peace and security.
  • (d) To establish institutions for the promotion of science.
  • Answer: (b) To respect the ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.

Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 51A

1. Mains 2018:

• Discuss the importance of Fundamental Duties in the context of contemporary challenges facing Indian society. How can these duties be effectively enforced?

1. Mains 2016:

• Analyze the significance of the Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Indian Constitution. How do they complement the Fundamental Rights?

Article 51A is pivotal in shaping responsible citizenship. It emphasizes that alongside the enjoyment of Fundamental Rights, citizens have an obligation to uphold certain duties that contribute to the nation’s welfare and integrity. Understanding these duties and their implications is crucial for UPSC aspirants preparing for both prelims and mains examinations.