Page 103 - Constitution

70 Years of Indian

Constitution

A good perception of rights is appreciable but the Since the state enforces rights therefore, the citizens
same concern for duties also needs to be developed should also be duty bound to be loyal to state. However,
among all, as without duties there cannot be in recent years the gradual decline in ethical values and

any rights. Gandhiji also used to say that as real compassion is making the situation difficult, as the degree
of aggressiveness and anxiousness, which is displayed
rights are the outcome of the performance of duty for claiming right, remains absent towards obedience of
therefore, there is always a corresponding duty duties.

The reckless behavior of people even during the
the preamble of constitution from sovereign, democratic
COVID-19 pandemic and deliberate defiance of rules
republic to sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic
like wearing of mask, maintaining social distancing, not
republic.
promoting congregation and crowding by a large number
These actions not only suspended elections in the
of people without any thought that how much dangerous it
country and curbed the civil liberties of the people but also
can be for other people’s safety and security is one of the
became a cause of resentment among the people and
best examples of the loss of ethical values and concept of
motivated them to revolt against it and get back their rights.
duties.
This clearly exhibits the people’s power and supremacy
The decline of ethical values and growing corruption
of Constitution, which is guarded very competently by the
in all sectors from business to education, from health to
supreme court of India.
governance, from corruption to environment, violation of
While the growing number of Public Interest Litigation
traffic rules, growing incidence of crime against women
(PIL) in various sectors which directly affect the people’s
and girls, discrimination on the grounds of gender,
lives like environment, education, health, corruption, red-
caste, creed, flexing of money and muscle powers, rise
tape-ism etc is indicative of the increasing awareness
of caste or religion-based groups are making the task
among the people towards their rights but at the same
of the Constitution difficult and affecting the spirit and
time negligent behavior of some people and uncaring
implementation of Constitutional values.
attitude towards similar rights of other people also shows
But the strong values enshrined in the Indian Constitution
the decline in moral standards of the stake holders.
work as a motivating force. The smooth change of
A good perception of rights is appreciable but the same
Governments in the states and centre every five years
concern for duties also needs to be developed among all,
through direct elections in the world’s largest democracy
as without duties there cannot be any rights. Mahatma
is unparalleled.
Gandhi also used to say that as real rights are the outcome
The role of Opposition in this democracy becomes
of the performance of duty therefore, there is always a
important for quality check on the functioning of the
corresponding duty.

70 Years of Indian Constitution 103