Article 51- International Peace and Security

 The State shall strive to: 

(a) promote international peace and security

(b) maintain just and honourable relations among nations

(c) foster respect for international law

(d) encourage the settlement of international disputes through arbitration.

Article 51 is one of the ‘directive principles of state policy.’ While it cannot be interpreted as implying a mandate to create a new world order, the advancement of science, technology, transportation, and communication, as well as the expansion of international trade and commerce, have brought the world together as a ‘global village,’ providing a new perspective. Therefore, such provisions should not only be adopted by all nations in their respective constitutions.

In dealings with other countries, both words and actions are important. It is self-evident that Article 51 of the Indian Constitution is a one-of-a-kind provision that espouses a great Indian philosophy, raises awareness, and serves as a beacon for international peace and security. In this strife-torn world, it can serve as a guideline for framing international law based on justice, equality, coexistence, and human dignity with the ultimate goal of human advancement in mind. As a result, the conference will be guided by Article 51 of the Indian Constitution, focusing on clause (c), which requires the state to “promote respect for international law.”

Fundamental duties article 51A

51A. Fundamental responsibilities

Every citizen of India shall be responsible for: 

(a) Abiding by the Constitution and respecting its ideals and institutions, as well as the National Flag and the National Anthem 

(b) Cherishing and following the noble ideals that inspired our national struggle for freedom; 

(c) Upholding and protecting India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity

(d) Defending the country and rendering national service when called upon

(e) Promoting harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood throughout the country.

(f) To value and preserve our composite culture’s rich heritage

(g) To protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures

(h) To cultivate a scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform

(I) to protect public property and abstain from violence 

(j) To strive for excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation continues to rise;

(k) Who is a parent or guardian and is responsible for providing educational opportunities to his child or ward between six and fourteen years.

Moral Obligation

Upholding noble ideals of the freedom struggle

Respect for the Constitution, the National Flag, and the National Anthem is a civic duty. They essentially consist of a list of essential tasks to the Indian way of life. Unlike a few Fundamental Rights, the Fundamental Duties are limited to Indian citizens and do not apply to foreigners. They are also nonjusticiable, similar to the Directive Principles of State Policies.

There are no legal consequences for their actions.

Fundamental Duties Criticism

Part IVA of the Constitution’s Fundamental Duties has been criticised for the following reasons:

Due to their non-justiciable nature, critics have referred to them as a code of moral precepts. Consequently, their inclusion in the Constitution was deemed unnecessary by critics. This is because the people would perform the duties listed in the Constitution as fundamental even if they were not included in the Constitution.

Some of the responsibilities are vague, ambiguous, and difficult to comprehend for the average person.

The inclusion of fundamental duties as an appendix to Part IV of the Constitution, according to critics, has diminished their value and significance. Therefore, to keep them on par with Fundamental Rights, they should have been added after Part III.

Fundamental Duties’ Origin

Today, we can see how people will begin to protest and how frequently they become violent. There have been numerous instances where a peaceful protest has devolved into violence, with people vandalising public property and disrespecting the government. Citizens here frequently cross the line and forget their moral responsibilities to the country. A similar situation existed in our country during the 1976 National Emergency when the then-ruling party of our country declared martial law. During this time a committee was formed called the Swaran Singh Committee. This committee recommended the fundamental duties to be incorporated in the constitution since citizens need to have the code of conduct while they have the rights to live freely.

The main goal of this committee was to propose changes to the Indian Constitution (mainly for the recommendations of fundamental duties). Citizens should be aware that to exercise their rights, they must also fulfil certain obligations, according to this committee.

Citizens to be penalised/punished by the parliament for any non-compliance with or refusal to observe any of the duties were among the duties recommended by the committee that was not accepted.

The punishments/penalties imposed by Parliament shall not be challenged in any court based on a violation of one or more Fundamental Rights or any other provision of the Constitution. Taxes must be paid.

Conclusion

The reader can clearly understand the necessity and importance of Fundamental Duties. Our government recognised the importance of civil society and included it in our constitution. The state should not be the sole source of decision-making. Our country’s citizens must play a critical role in achieving our constitution’s basic goal. They can do so by following Article 51A of our Constitution, which outlines their responsibilities to the nation.