Article 51A · Part IVA · 12 Duties
Civic Duties.
“Rights and duties are correlative. A society that knows only rights and forgets duties will soon have neither.”
Added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976 — not directly enforceable by courts, but serve as moral obligations and guide legislative intent.
Abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem. Violation of public display of National Flag rules is punishable under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom. From Gandhi's non-violence to Ambedkar's constitutional vision — the freedom movement's values are to be kept alive.
Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. Activities promoting secession, terrorism or anti-national propaganda are offences under IPC, UAPA, and other laws.
Defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so. Though military service is not compulsory, citizens must assist law enforcement during emergencies.
Promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional diversities. Hate speech laws under IPC Sections 153A and 295A enforce this duty.
Value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. Protection of Cultural Heritage is enforced through ASI and the Ancient Monuments Act.
Protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and have compassion for living creatures. Reflected in the Environment Protection Act 1986, Wildlife Protection Act 1972, and Forest Conservation Act 1980.
Develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform. India's constitutional mandate for rational thinking — countering superstition through education and inquiry.
Safeguard public property and abjure violence. Destruction of public property is a criminal offence under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
Strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation rises to higher levels of achievement. This aspirational duty underpins India's national education policy and scientific research initiatives.
A parent or guardian shall provide opportunities for education to their child/ward between the age of 6 and 14 years. Added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment, 2002 — correlates with Article 21A and the RTE Act 2009.
It shall be the duty of every citizen of India— (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 our 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 amongst all the people of India; (f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture; (g) to protect and improve the natural environment; (h) to develop the 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; (k) who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.