Fundamental Duties

• Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee. Placed in Part IVA, Art 51A.
• Idea taken from the USSR Constitution.
• Originally 10 duties. The 86th Amendment (2002) added the 11th.
• Duties apply to citizens only and are non-justiciable. No law directly punishes their breach, but some laws support them, for example the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

The 11 duties

It is the duty of every citizen to:

1. Abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
2. Cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
3. Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
4. Defend the country and render national service when called upon.
5. Promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood, and renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
6. Value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
7. Protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and have compassion for living creatures.
8. Develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
9. Safeguard public property and abjure violence.
10. Strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
11. A parent or guardian must provide opportunities for education to a child between the ages of 6 and 14. (86th Amendment)