42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added 10 Fundamental Duties to the Indian Constitution. 86th Amendment Act 2002 later added eleventh Fundamental Duty to the rundown. Swaran Singh Committee in 1976 suggested Fundamental Duties, the need of which was felt during the interior crisis of 1975-77. The Fundamental Duties are provided Article 51A under Part-IV of the Indian Constitution.
The crucial obligations which were included by the 42nd Amendment Act of the Constitution in 1976, notwithstanding making and advancing society, likewise fortify the hands of the lawmaking body in implementing these obligations opposite the central rights as taught in all LLB courses in West Bengal.
The rundown of 11 Fundamental Duties under article 51-A to be obeyed by each Indian resident is referenced underneath:
- Abide by the Indian Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
- Cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
- Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
- Defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
- Promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
- Value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture.
- Protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.
- Develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
- Safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
- Strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.
- Provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.
Significance of Fundamental Duties as taught in all LL.B courses in West Bengal:
- They help Indian Citizens to remember their obligation towards their general public, individual residents and the country
- They caution residents against hostile to public and against social exercises
- They motivate residents and advance a feeling of order and duty among them.
- They help the courts in looking at and deciding the protected legitimacy of a law
- They are enforceable by law
