Polity Study Material: Directive Principles

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Directive Principles

PART IV of the Constitution Art (36 − 51) . contains the Directive Principles of State Policy. These Principles are in the nature of instruments of instruction to the govt. Of the day to do certain things and to achieve certain ends by their actions, in other words Directive Principles are essentially guidelines to the State. A Directive Principle required to be implemented by legislation and so long as there is no Law carrying out the Policy laid down in a Directive, neither the State nor an individual can violate any existing Law or legal right under the color of a Directive. Further still the Directives are not enforceable in the Courts and do not create any justiciable rights in favor of the individuals. In case of a conflict between Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights of the Constitution, the latter shall prevail. These Directive Principles may be classified as follow s:

  1. Certain ideals, particularly Economic, which according to the framers of the Constitution, State should strive for:
  2. Certain directions to the legislature and the executive intended to show in which manner The State should exercise their legislative and executive powers.
  3. Certain Rights of the citizen shall not. Be enforceable by The Courts (Fundamental Rights) nevertheless The State Government shall aim to secure by regulations of its legislative and administrative policy.

It shall be the duty of The State to follow these Principles both in the matter of Administration as well as in the making of Laws.