Downloads: 197 | Views: 376 | Weekly Hits: ⮙1 | Monthly Hits: ⮙3

Informative Article | Law | India | Volume 9 Issue 6, June 2020

Directive Principles of State Policy & Social Justice: An Evaluation

Dr. Amaresh Chandra Sahoo

Abstract: Directive Principles of State Policy & Social Justice: An Evaluation Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) constitutes the stuff of the constitution and it is the philosophy of social justice. It is also the kernel of the Constitution. The Constitution of India lays down certain directives, which though not justiciable in nature, but are the ‘fundamental in governance of the country. It is the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. State shall strive to promote the welfare of people by securing and protecting a social order, in which justice-social, economic and political-shall form in all institutions of national life. These DPSPs act as a guideline for the state and are needed to be taken into consideration while coming up with any new law but a citizen cannot compel the state to follow DPSPs. The expression Justice- social, economic, political is sought to be achieved through DPSPs. These are incorporated to attain the ultimate ideals of preamble i. e. Justice, Liberty, Equality and fraternity. Moreover, it also embodies the idea of the welfare state. According to L. M. Sighvi that Directive Principles of State Policy are the life giving provision of the constitution. DPSP are related to social justice, economic welfare, foreign policy, and legal and administrative matters and are classified under the following categories economic and socialistic, political and administrative, justice and legal, environmental, protection of monuments, peace and security. DPSP supplemented the Fundamental Rights of the people and built a State characterized by these four pillars – Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. DPSP covers the Articles 36-51 in Part IV of the constitution. The developments over the years have conclusively proved that the directives from an important part of the constitution and are in no way inferior even to fundamental rights.

Keywords: Directive Principles, state policy, Indian Constitution, Articles 36-51, Article 37

Edition: Volume 9 Issue 6, June 2020,

Pages: 1130 - 1132