Articles 36–51 contain the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), inspired by the Irish Constitution. They are non-justiciable — you cannot go to court to enforce them — but they are fundamental in the governance of the country.
Three Categories
Socialistic DPSPs
- Equal pay for equal work (Article 39(d))
- Right to work, education, and public assistance (Article 41)
- Living wage for workers (Article 43)
Gandhian DPSPs
- Organisation of village panchayats (Article 40)
- Promotion of cottage industries (Article 43)
- Prohibition of intoxicating drinks (Article 47)
Liberal-Intellectual DPSPs
- Uniform Civil Code (Article 44)
- Free and compulsory education — now a Fundamental Right via Article 21A (Article 45)
- Protection of environment (Article 48A)
DPSPs vs. Fundamental Rights
The Supreme Court in Minerva Mills (1980) held that Fundamental Rights and DPSPs must be read harmoniously — neither can be used to completely abrogate the other.