Understanding the Addition of Fundamental Duties to the Indian Constitution
The question asks to identify which element was introduced into the Constitution of India later, specifically in 1976 via the 42nd Amendment Act, following the suggestion of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee. Let's analyze the options in the context of the original Indian Constitution and subsequent amendments.
Key Amendments and Recommendations
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 was a significant piece of legislation that brought about widespread changes to the Constitution of India. One of its major contributions was the incorporation of a new Part (Part IV-A) dealing with Fundamental Duties.
This addition was based on the recommendations of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee, which was formed to study the issue of constitutional reforms and suggested the incorporation of a separate chapter on the duties of citizens. The committee felt that while the Constitution had granted rights to citizens, it also needed to emphasize their responsibilities.
Analysis of Options
- Fundamental Duties: These were not part of the original Constitution. They were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, under Article 51A. This aligns with the details mentioned in the question.
- Directive Principles: These principles, outlined in Part IV of the Constitution (Articles 36 to 51), were very much a part of the original Constitution of India adopted in 1950. They guide the state in governance but are not legally enforceable in courts.
- Fundamental Rights: These are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12 to 35). They were a cornerstone of the original Constitution of India, guaranteeing basic civil liberties to citizens.
- Freedom of Speech and Expression: This is specifically mentioned under Article 19(1)(a) as one of the Fundamental Rights. Since Fundamental Rights were part of the original Constitution, this specific freedom was also present from the beginning.
Conclusion
Based on the historical context and the provisions of the Indian Constitution, Fundamental Duties were the element that was added later in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment Act on the recommendation of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee, and were not part of the original document.
Important Questions from Amendment of the Constitution
- The 91st Amendment Act of Indian Constitution was brought in
- Which Amendment of the Indian Constitution introduced Fundamental Duties?
- From amongst the following, identify the correct option that captures the changes made in Article 74(1) of the Constitution of India through the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
(a) Executive powers of the Union shall be vested with the President of India.
(b) The Prime Minister has the duty to brief the President about decisions of the Council of Ministers.
(c) The President shall exercise his/her functions on the advice of the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister.
(d) The President shall have the right to summon or prorogue the Houses of the Parliament. - The Ninth Schedule was added to the Constitution of India by the
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :
List–I
(Constitutional Amendment Act)List–II
(Major Amendment)A. The Constitution (One Hundred and Second Amendment) Act 1. Constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes B. The Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act 2. Abolition of reservation of seats for Anglo-Indians in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies C. The Constitution (One Hundred and Fourth Amendment) Act 3. Ten percent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in the Central Government jobs D. The Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act 4. Thirty-three percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies Code :
