Chapter 4

Significance of Fundamental
Duties under Part IV A

Department of IEM, R V College of Engineering

 Fundamental Duties
It shall be the duty of every citizen of India-
To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and
institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;
To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our
national struggle for freedom;
To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity
of India;
To defend the country and render national service when
called upon to do so

Department of IEM, R V College of Engineering

 Fundamental Duties
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;

To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite

culture;

To protect and improve the natural environment including

forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion
for living creatures;
Department of IEM, R V College of Engineering
 Fundamental Duties

To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the

spirit of inquiry and reform;

To safeguard public property and to abjure violence;

To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual

and collective activity so that the nation constantly

rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement.

Department of IEM, R V College of Engineering

 Fundamental Duties
There is no provision in the Constitution for direct
enforcement of any of these Duties nor for any sanction to
prevent their violation. But it may be expected that in
determining the constitutionality of any law, if a Court finds
that it seeks to give effect to any of these Duties, it may
consider such law to be ‘reasonable’ in relation to Art.14 or
19, and thus save such law from unconstitutionality.

Department of IEM, R V College of Engineering

 Fundamental Duties

It would also serve as a warning to reckless citizens

against anti-social activities such as burning the
Constitution, destroying the public property and the like.
The Supreme Court has held that since the Duties are
obligatory for a citizen, it would follow that the State
should also strive to achieve the same goal. The Court
may, therefore, issue suitable directions in these
matters, in appropriate cases.

Department of IEM, R V College of Engineering