Understanding the Directive Principles of State Policy

The Constitution of India includes a set of guidelines for the state to follow when making laws and policies. These are known as the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). They are listed in Part IV of the Constitution.

While the Fundamental Rights are justiciable (meaning they can be enforced by courts), the Directive Principles are non-justiciable. However, the Constitution itself declares that these principles are fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. They aim to establish a welfare state in India.

Identifying the Speaker: 'Novel Feature' of Indian Constitution

The question asks who described the Directive Principles of State Policy as a "novel feature" of the Constitution of India. This particular phrase is strongly associated with one of the key architects of the Indian Constitution.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, played a crucial role in shaping the Constitution. He was a strong proponent of social justice and equality, which are reflected in many of the Directive Principles.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's View on DPSP

During the debates in the Constituent Assembly, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar highlighted the significance and unique nature of the Directive Principles. He saw them as instruments of social and economic transformation. While acknowledging their non-justiciable nature, he believed they held great educational value for both the government and the people, guiding the path towards achieving the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Preamble.

He specifically referred to them as a "novel feature" because they represented a unique blend of ideals and aspirations that were to guide the state without being immediately enforceable like fundamental rights. They served as a constant reminder to the government of its obligations towards the welfare of the people.

Examining the Options

• Jawaharlal Nehru: India's first Prime Minister, a key figure in the independence movement and constitution-making. He also valued DPSP but is not primarily credited with using the "novel feature" phrase in this specific context.
• Rajendra Prasad: The President of the Constituent Assembly and later the first President of India. He guided the constitution-making process but the specific description is not attributed to him.
• S. N. Mukherjee: A prominent figure in the Constituent Assembly secretariat, serving as the Chief Draftsman. His role was technical and involved drafting the text.
• B. R. Ambedkar: Chairman of the Drafting Committee. He is widely credited with calling the Directive Principles of State Policy a "novel feature" of the Indian Constitution during his speeches and writings related to the Constituent Assembly debates.

Conclusion on the 'Novel Feature' Description

Based on historical records and constitutional history, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is the person who famously described the Directive Principles of State Policy as a "novel feature" of the Constitution of India, emphasizing their unique role in the constitutional framework.

Revision Table: Key Figures and Constitution Terms

Additional Information on Directive Principles of State Policy

• DPSP are contained in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51) of the Constitution.
• They are borrowed from the Constitution of Ireland.
• They are categorized broadly into socialistic, Gandhian, and liberal-intellectual principles, though the Constitution does not make such a classification.
• Examples include securing a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people (Article 38), adequate means of livelihood (Article 39), organisation of village panchayats (Article 40), uniform civil code (Article 44), and promotion of international peace and security (Article 51).
• Their implementation depends on the resources available to the state and the political will of the government.