Article 37: Application of the principles contained in this Part

Leading cases

• State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951)The Communal G.O. allotting seats in State medical and engineering colleges by religion and caste violated Article 29(2) and was void under Article 13; directive principles cannot override fundamental rights.

Questions on this article

4 questions in 10 of our papers cite Article 37. Try these from the free papers:

1. 1. Under Article 37, the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution are:

   A.binding on the Union Government only, and not on the Governments of the StatesB.enforceable by any court once Parliament makes a law to give effect to themC.not enforceable by any court, but fundamental in the governance of the countryD.enforceable by the High Courts under Article 226, but not by the Supreme Court
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2. 2. A citizen files a writ petition asking the Supreme Court to issue a mandamus directing the Government to bring in a uniform civil code under Article 44 within six months. What is the correct legal position?

   A.The relief must be granted, because Article 44 imposes a duty enforceable under Article 32B.The relief must be granted, because a directive principle becomes enforceable if left unimplemented for longC.The relief cannot be granted, because Article 37 provides that the provisions of Part IV shall not be enforceable by any courtD.The relief cannot be granted, because Article 44 applies only to the Union territories
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