Gandhian Principles in The Directive Principles of State Policy: A Constitutional Analysis of their Relevance and Contemporary Significance

Author

Dr. M.A. Saleem Ahmed , Mr. Mohamed Hussain Ali


Abstract

 The Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India represent the constitutional commitment to social and economic democracy. Among the different intellectual influences reflected in the Directive Principles, Gandhian philosophy occupies a distinctive position. The ideals of Gram Swaraj, rural self-reliance, dignity of labour, social upliftment, public health and agricultural welfare find constitutional expression particularly in Articles 40, 43, 46, 47 and 48. Although these provisions are expressly non-justiciable under Article 37, they have acquired substantial constitutional significance through legislation, constitutional amendments and judicial interpretation. This paper examines the Gandhian foundations of selected Directive Principles and analyses their transformation within Indian constitutionalism. Particular attention is given to Article 40 and democratic decentralisation, Article 43 and rural economic development, Article 46 and social justice, Article 47 and public health, and Article 48 and agriculture. The paper further examines the evolving relationship between Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights through landmark decisions including State of Madras v Champakam Dorairajan, Kesavananda Bharati v State of Kerala, Minerva Mills Ltd v Union of India and Municipal Council, Ratlam v Vardhichand. It argues that the contemporary relevance of Gandhian constitutionalism does not lie in mechanically reproducing Gandhi's historical socio-economic model, but in adapting the underlying values of decentralised democracy, social justice, dignity of labour, self-reliance and human-centred development to present constitutional and socio-economic realities.



Keywords

Gandhian Philosophy, Directive Principles of State Policy, Gram Swaraj, Article 40, Article 43, Article 46, Article 47, Article 48, Constitutionalism, Social Justice.



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References


  1. Constitutional and Statutory Sources

Constitution of India, 1950, arts 37, 40, 43, 46, 47 and 48.

Constitution (Seventy-Third Amendment) Act, 1992.

Constitution (Ninety-Seventh Amendment) Act, 2011.

  1. Judicial Authorities

State of Madras v Champakam Dorairajan, AIR 1951 SC 226.

Kesavananda Bharati v State of Kerala, (1973) 4 SCC 225.

Municipal Council, Ratlam v Vardhichand, (1980) 4 SCC 162.

Minerva Mills Ltd v Union of India, (1980) 3 SCC 625.

Olga Tellis v Bombay Municipal Corporation, (1985) 3 SCC 545.

Unni Krishnan, JP v State of Andhra Pradesh, (1993) 1 SCC 645.

Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity v State of West Bengal, (1996) 4 SCC 37.

State of Gujarat v Mirzapur Moti Kureshi Kassab Jamat, (2005) 8 SCC 534.

Bhanumati v State of Uttar Pradesh, (2010) 12 SCC 1.

  1. Books

Granville Austin, The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation (Oxford University Press, 1966).

H M Seervai, Constitutional Law of India (Universal Law Publishing).

M P Jain, Indian Constitutional Law (LexisNexis).

D D Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India (LexisNexis).

B Shiva Rao, The Framing of India's Constitution: Select Documents (Universal Law Publishing).

Mahatma Gandhi, Hind Swaraj or Indian Home Rule (1909).

 

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