The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), enshrined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution (Articles 36–51), provide a guiding framework for governance in India. Although these provisions are not legally enforceable by the courts, they carry immense weight in shaping the country’s political, social, and economic priorities. The State is entrusted with the duty of incorporating these principles into its laws and policies, with the ultimate goal of building a just, equal, and inclusive society.
Modelled on the Directive Principles of the Irish Constitution and inspired by the Instruments of Instructions under the Government of India Act, 1935, the DPSPs outline a wide range of objectives. These include promoting social justice, ensuring economic welfare, achieving equitable distribution of resources, strengthening good governance, and fostering a progressive foreign policy.
The idea of separating enforceable rights from non-enforceable principles was first recommended by the Sapru Committee in 1945. Following its suggestion, legally enforceable rights became the Fundamental Rights, while non-justiciable provisions were framed as the Directive Principles of State Policy.
Historically, the roots of DPSPs lie in the Government of India Act, 1935, where they were listed as an “Instrument of Instructions” for governance. While not enforceable in a court of law, their purpose is to promote social democracy and economic justice, steering the State towards creating a fair and balanced society.
In essence, the DPSPs represent the moral and philosophical ideals of the Constitution. They are intended to inspire legislation and guide governments, even though citizens cannot seek their direct enforcement.
At their very foundation, the Directive Principles aim to establish social and economic democracy, complementing the political democracy guaranteed by Fundamental Rights. They embody the vision of India as a welfare state, where development is inclusive, opportunities are fairly distributed, and justice is accessible to all.
Though non-justiciable in nature, the DPSPs continue to serve as a moral and political compass for the State, influencing public policy and long-term national goals. Together, they reflect the constitutional aspiration of transforming India into a modern, welfare-oriented democracy.
| Directives Principles of State Policy Part IV (Article 36 – 51) | |
| Article 36 | Definition of State |
| Article 37 | Application of principles contained in this part |
| Article 38 | The state to secure a social order for the promotion of the welfare of the people |
| Article 39 | The state seeks to secure a social order for the promotion of the welfare of the people |
| Article 39A | Equal justice and free legal aid |
| Article 40 | Organisation of village panchayats |
| Article 41 | Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases |
| Article 42 | Certain principles of policy are to be followed by the state |
| Article 43 | Living wage, etc, for workers |
| Article 43A | Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief |
| Article 44 | Participation of workers in the management of industries |
| Article 45 | Provision for early childhood here ad free and compulsory education for children |
| Article 46 | Uniform Civil Code, the citizens |
| Article 47 | Separation of the judiciary from the executive |
| Article 48 | Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry |
| Article 48A | Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections |
| Article 49 | Protection of monuments, places and objects of national importance |
| Article 50 | Protection and improvement of the environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife |
| Article 51 | Duty of the state is to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living, and to improve the public health |
| Fundamental Rights Vs Directive Principles of State Policy | |
| Fundamental Rights | Directive Principles of State Policy |
| They constitute limitations upon State actions. | They are in the nature of instruments of instruction of the Government to achieve certain ends. |
| Constitutionally enforceable (Justiciable). | Non-enforceable (Non-Justiciable). |
| They do not need legislative approval for execution. | They are like instruments of instruction of the Government to achieve certain ends. |
| Specific in nature. | Require to be implemented by legislation in the absence of a State Policy. |
For More Readings: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS | SUPREME COURT OF INDIA | PREAMBLE OF THE CONSTITUTION