Short & Simple – The directive principles of state policy are guidelines for the government to follow when making laws and policies for the country. These principles are meant to help the government make decisions that are fair and will benefit the people of the country.

For example, one of the directive principles might be to make sure that everyone has access to education, or to protect the environment. These principles help the government make sure that it is doing what is best for the people. It’s kind of like a set of goals that the government should try to achieve.

The directive principles of state policy in India are a set of guidelines for the government to follow in order to promote the welfare of its citizens and the development of the country. These principles are contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India and are not enforceable by courts. However, they are considered fundamental in the governance of the country and are intended to be used by the government as a guideline to promote the common good.

The directive principles of state policy in India were inspired by the Irish Constitution and are intended to provide a broad framework for the government to follow in order to achieve the goal of creating a just and equitable society. These principles cover a wide range of areas, including social and economic justice, education, public health, the environment, and the promotion of international peace and security.

Some examples of directive principles of state policy in India include:

• The promotion of economic and social justice, including the promotion of equitable distribution of wealth and the eradication of poverty.
• The organization of agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines, with the aim of increasing productivity and ensuring food security.
• The protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development.
• The provision of adequate means of livelihood to all citizens, including the promotion of cottage industries and other forms of rural production.
• The promotion of education and the provision of free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14.
• The protection of the health of citizens, including the improvement of public health and the prevention of diseases.

One of the main reasons why the directive principles of state policy are considered to be important is that they provide a clear vision for the government to follow in order to create a just and equitable society. By following these principles, the government can work towards creating a society that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable.

Another reason why the directive principles of state policy are considered to be important is that they help to ensure that the government’s policies and actions are aligned with the broader goals of the Constitution. These principles provide a clear framework for the government to follow, which can help to ensure that the policies and actions of the government are in line with the Constitution’s vision of creating a just and equitable society.

In addition, the directive principles of state policy are considered to be important because they provide a way for the government to be accountable to the people. By following these principles, the government can show that it is working towards achieving the goals and aspirations of the people, and that it is taking steps to promote the welfare of all citizens. This can help to build trust and confidence in the government and can improve the quality of governance in the country.

Some landmark judgements around the Directive Principles of State Policy are:

1. Champakam Dorairajan v. State of Madras (1951) – In this case, the Supreme Court held that the Directive Principle of State Policy contained in Article 15(4) (which provides for the reservation of seats for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes) was not enforceable in a court of law. However, the Court held that the state was bound to take the Directive Principles into consideration while framing laws and policies.
2. Golak Nath v. State of Punjab (1967) – In this case, the Supreme Court held that the Directive Principles could not be used to override the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. The Court held that the fundamental rights were superior to the Directive Principles and that any law or policy that sought to infringe upon the fundamental rights would be deemed unconstitutional.
3. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) – In this case, the Supreme Court held that the Directive Principles could not be used to amend the basic structure of the Indian Constitution. The Court held that the basic structure of the Constitution, which included the fundamental rights, could not be amended or altered by the state in any manner.
4. Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980) – In this case, the Supreme Court held that the Directive Principles could not be used to override the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. The Court held that the Directive Principles could not be used to amend or alter the basic structure of the Constitution, which included the fundamental rights.
5. Unnikrishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1993) – In this case, the Supreme Court held that the Directive Principles could be used to override the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution in cases where there was a conflict between the two. The Court held that the Directive Principles, being the goals and objectives of the Constitution, must be given primacy over the fundamental rights in such cases.

Overall, the directive principles of state policy in India are considered to be of great importance because they provide a clear vision and framework for the government to follow in order to promote the welfare of its citizens and the development of the country. These principles are considered to be fundamental in the governance of the country and are intended to be used by the government as a guideline to promote the common good.