Under the Indian Constitution, concentration of wealth violates
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- Athe Right to Equality
- Bthe Directive Principles of State Policy
- Cthe Right to Freedom
- Dthe Concept of Welfare
Show answer
Answer: (B) the Directive Principles of State Policy
Article 39(c) in Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy) states that the economic system should not result in the concentration of wealth to the common detriment.
This directly addresses wealth concentration.
While it may seem to relate to equality (Articles 14-18), the specific constitutional provision against wealth concentration is in DPSP.
Note: DPSPs are not enforceable in court but guide state policy.
Answer: (b).
Article 39(c) of the Directive Principles specifically mandates that the economic system should not result in concentration of wealth to the common detriment.
UPSC is testing whether students can distinguish between justiciable Fundamental Rights and non-justiciable policy directives - wealth concentration is addressed in DPSP, not in enforceable rights.
The trap is thinking this falls under Right to Equality since wealth gaps seem related to equality, but the Constitution places economic system design specifically in Part IV.
Directive Principles of State Policy
Indian Polity Directive Principles of State Policy
Directive Principles of State Policy: Key Articles & UPSC Focus
Part IV (Articles 36-51) contains DPSP — non-enforceable but fundamental to governance
Article 39(c) specifically prohibits concentration of wealth and means of production
DPSPs are not justiciable — cannot be enforced through courts unlike Fundamental Rights
Based on Irish Constitution — guide state policy towards socio-economic justice
Directive Principles of State Policy are constitutional guidelines in Part IV that direct the state to create conditions for a just society. Unlike Fundamental Rights, they are non-justiciable — the state should follow them but citizens cannot approach courts for enforcement.
Key DPSP Articles
Article | Provision | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
Article 39(c) | Prevent concentration of wealth and means of production | Economic justice |
Article 40 | Organize village panchayats | Local governance |
Article 44 | Uniform Civil Code for all citizens | Social unity |
Article 45 | Free and compulsory education for children under 14 | Education |
Article 48 | Protect cows and prohibit their slaughter | Animal welfare |
Constitutional Position
Article 37 declares DPSPs are fundamental in governance though not enforceable by courts
State must apply these principles in making laws and policies
Supreme Court can review whether state policies align with DPSP spirit
Parliament can amend DPSPs more easily than Fundamental Rights
Question Context
The question directly tests Article 39(c) which mandates that the economic system should not result in concentration of wealth to common detriment. While wealth concentration may seem to violate equality principles, the specific constitutional provision addressing this issue is in DPSP, making option B correct.
Trap: Choosing Right to Equality — wealth concentration does affect equality but Article 39(c) specifically addresses it
Confusion: DPSPs vs Fundamental Rights enforceability — DPSPs guide policy, FRs are court-enforceable
Common error: Thinking 'Concept of Welfare' is a constitutional term — it's not a specific provision
Memory aid: 39(c) = Concentration of wealth prohibition
Fundamental Rights vs DPSP Comparison
Indian Polity Right to Equality Right to Freedom
Fundamental Rights vs DPSP: Key Distinctions for UPSC
Part III (Articles 12-35) contains Fundamental Rights — immediately enforceable through courts
Part IV (Articles 36-51) contains DPSP — non-enforceable guidelines for state policy
FRs are negative rights (restrict state action), DPSPs are positive rights (require state action)
Constitutional Comparison
Aspect | Fundamental Rights (Part III) | DPSP (Part IV) |
|---|---|---|
Enforceability | Justiciable — enforceable through courts | Non-justiciable — moral obligation only |
Nature | Negative rights — limit state power | Positive rights — require state action |
Inspiration | US Bill of Rights | Irish Constitution |
Amendment | Requires special majority | Can be amended by simple majority |
Violation remedy | Article 32 — Right to Constitutional Remedies | No direct court remedy available |
Relationship & Conflicts
Minerva Mills case (1980): FRs and DPSPs are complementary — both essential for constitutional goals
Article 31C: Parliament can make laws to implement DPSP even if they violate certain FRs
Kesavananda Bharati case: DPSP implementation cannot destroy basic structure of FRs
Courts increasingly use DPSP to interpret and expand scope of FRs
Trap: All rights violations go to Fundamental Rights — specific provisions like wealth concentration are in DPSP
Confusion: Both aim for justice but different enforceability and constitutional parts
Common error: Thinking DPSP are merely suggestions — they are fundamental in governance per Article 37
Article 39: Economic Justice Provisions
Indian Polity
Article 39: Comprehensive Economic Justice Framework
Article 39 contains six clauses (a-f) for economic justice and social welfare
Clause (c) specifically prohibits concentration of wealth and means of production
Aims to establish economic democracy alongside political democracy
Article 39 Clauses Breakdown
Clause | Provision | Target |
|---|---|---|
(a) | Adequate means of livelihood for all citizens | Basic economic security |
(b) | Material resources distributed to serve common good | Resource distribution |
(c) | Economic system not resulting in wealth concentration | Prevent inequality |
(d) | Equal pay for equal work for men and women | Gender equality |
(e) | Workers' health and strength not abused | Labor protection |
(f) | Children given opportunities to develop healthily | Child welfare |
Implementation & Impact
Banking nationalization (1969, 1980) implemented using Article 39(b) and (c)
Land reforms and ceiling laws justified under Article 39(b)
MGNREGA and employment schemes align with Article 39(a)
Competition law and antitrust measures follow Article 39(c) spirit
Constitutional Vision
Article 39 reflects the framers' vision of economic democracy where political freedom is meaningless without economic security. The provisions collectively aim to create a welfare state that ensures equitable distribution of resources while preventing excessive concentration of economic power.