Fundamental Rights vs Directive Principles
Fundamental Rights (Part III) and the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) are the two halves of the Constitution's social vision. Their contrast is a Polity staple.
| Dimension | Fundamental Rights (Part III) | Directive Principles (Part IV) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Negative — restrain the State | Positive — direct the State to act |
| Enforceable in court? | Yes — justiciable (Art. 32) | No — non-justiciable (Art. 37) |
| Aim | Political democracy | Social & economic democracy |
| Against whom | Mainly the State (some against individuals) | Guide the State's law-making |
| If they conflict | Generally prevail, but the balance has evolved through case law | Fundamental to governance; courts read the two harmoniously |
Exam tip: Minerva Mills held the balance between Part III and Part IV is itself part of the basic structure.
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