UPSC Prelims 2020 · Question 38 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2020 question on UDHR Reflected in Constitution
Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)?
1. Preamble
2. Directive Principles of State Policy
3. Fundamental Duties
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Show answer
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Verdict
Correct statements: 1, 2 and 3 → Option (d).
Analysis
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948. It represents the first international expression of human rights and is described as the 'International Magna Carta'.
Statement by statement
Statement 1 – CORRECT: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects the UDHR through its ideals — Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship), Equality (of status and opportunity), and Fraternity (assuring dignity of the individual). These mirror the UDHR's foundational ideals.
Statement 2 – CORRECT: The Directive Principles of State Policy in Part-IV of the Constitution comprise economic, social and cultural rights — which directly correspond to the economic, social and cultural rights enumerated in the UDHR.
Statement 3 – CORRECT: Fundamental Duties (Article 51A) reflect UDHR principles. For example, Article 26 of UDHR states education shall be directed to the full development of human personality and to strengthening of respect for human rights — this aligns with Fundamental Duties under Article 51A(j) and others.
Extra UPSC info
Fundamental Rights under Part-III contain civil and political rights in six categories — Right to equality, Right to freedom, Right against exploitation, Right to freedom of religion, Cultural and educational rights, and Right to constitutional remedies. India was a signatory to UDHR and Hansa Mehta played a key role in drafting the UDHR.