Q1. Which of the following Fundamental Duties reflects the Gandhian principle of non-violence?
- To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India
- To abjure violence and safeguard public property
- To cherish the noble ideals of the freedom struggle
- To defend the country when called upon to do so
Correct Option: 2. To abjure violence and safeguard public property.
Explanation: The duty “to abjure violence” is directly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence). It also promotes civic responsibility through the protection of public property.
Q2. Which of the following statements best explains the legal status of Fundamental Duties?
- Fundamental Duties are enforceable only when incorporated into statutory law.
- Fundamental Duties are as enforceable as Fundamental Rights.
- Fundamental Duties are directly justiciable under Part IVA.
- Fundamental Duties are enforceable by the judiciary under Article 32.
Correct Option: 1. Fundamental Duties are enforceable only when incorporated into statutory law.
Explanation: Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable, but Parliament may enact laws to give them effect. For example, laws penalizing disrespect to the National Flag or Anthem derive their legitimacy from these duties.
Q3. Which Fundamental Duty is specifically associated with environmental protection?
- Clause (e)
- Clause (f)
- Clause (g)
- Clause (h)
Correct Option: 3. Clause (g).
Explanation: Clause (g) of Article 51A states the duty “to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.”
List of Fundamental Duties (Article 51A, Part IVA)
(a) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
(b) To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired the national struggle for freedom.
(c) To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
(d) To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
(e) To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
(f) To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
(g) To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
(h) To develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
(i) To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
(j) To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.
(k) To provide opportunities for education to one’s child or ward between the ages of six and fourteen years. (Added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002)
Q4. Consider the following duties:
- To strive for excellence
- To pay taxes regularly
- To safeguard public property
- To promote scientific temper
Which of the above is NOT a Fundamental Duty as per the Constitution?
- 1 and 4
- 2 only
- 3 and 4
- All are Fundamental Duties
Correct Option: 2. 2 only.
Explanation: Paying taxes was recommended by the Swaran Singh Committee but was not included in the list of Fundamental Duties under Article 51A.
Q5. Which of the following Acts is most directly linked with enforcing the duty to safeguard public property?
- Environment Protection Act, 1986
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
- Public Property (Prevention of Damage) Act, 1984
- Representation of the People Act, 1951
Correct Option: 3. Public Property (Prevention of Damage) Act, 1984.
Explanation: This Act enforces the Fundamental Duty to safeguard public property by penalizing acts like vandalism or destruction of government assets.