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📚 Indian Polity Doubt Bank

Fundamental Rights vs DPSP: The Eternal Debate

· 1 min read · 5 topics covered

The Core Conflict

The Indian Constitution establishes two sets of rights: Fundamental Rights (Part III) and Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV). While FRs are justiciable and DPSPs are non-justiciable, the interplay between them has been a constitutional battleground.

Landmark Cases

  • Champakam Dorairajan (1951): FRs prevail over DPSPs
  • Golaknath (1967): Parliament cannot amend FRs
  • Kesavananda Bharati (1973): Basic Structure doctrine
  • Minerva Mills (1980): Harmony between FRs and DPSPs

    • Key Articles

  • Article 37: DPSPs not enforceable but fundamental in governance
  • Article 31C: Laws implementing Article 39(b)(c) cannot be challenged for violating Articles 14, 19

    • Exam Relevance

    This is one of the most frequently asked topics in UPSC Prelims and Mains. Aspirants must understand the evolutionary jurisprudence from Champakam to Minerva Mills.

    Fundamental Rights DPSP Article 14 Article 39 Minerva Mills

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