TL;DR Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution to remind us that rights and duties go together. They are not enforced by courts like fundamental rights, but they guide how we should behave as citizens — for example, respecting the Constitution, the flag, and the nation, and promoting harmony.
Why duties matter
Rights give us freedom; duties remind us that we are part of a larger society. When we follow our duties, we help protect the rights of others and strengthen democracy. Duties include respecting the Constitution, the National Flag, and the National Anthem; promoting unity and brotherhood; protecting public property; and safeguarding the environment.
How duties and rights work together
The Constitution gives us fundamental rights that the State must protect. It also lists fundamental duties that we should follow. Courts do not punish us for not following duties in the same way they can protect our rights. But duties are the other side of being a responsible citizen.
What you can do
- Read the full List of Fundamental Duties in this documentation.
- See How Citizens Can Practise Duties Daily for simple ways to live by these duties.
- When you raise issues with the government, you can do so in a way that respects the Constitution and promotes dignity — that is duty in action.
Related: List of Fundamental Duties · How Citizens Can Practise Duties Daily · Preamble of the Constitution · Introduction: Constitution for Citizens