Khushi Doshi
Published On: February 21, 2022 at 16:36 IST
On Monday, the Supreme Court sought the Central Government’s and States responses to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking enforcement of fundamental duties enshrined in Article 51A of the Constitution.
Durga Dutt’s Petition was heard by a Bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MM Sundresh, who issued notice to the Centre and States. The Petition requested that the Centre and the States make comprehensive Laws to ensure adherence to Article 51A of the Constitution.
The Petition also requested the formation of a high-powered committee led by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge to review the legal framework that had been established.
The Petition also referred to Mahatma Gandhi’s statements emphasising how duty is the true source of Right. Furthermore, the petition emphasised other constitutions that provide for people’s duties, such as the Japanese Constitution and the Chinese Constitution.
The petitioner also emphasised Singapore’s growth story, which has been fueled by its unwavering emphasis on citizen responsibilities. In addition, the petition detailed how media coverage of COVID-19 was communal in nature, contradicting the Constitution’s vision of secularism.
As a result, moral obligations should be converted to legal obligations through the enactment of legislation and guidelines, so that the country can stand united in the future if such a situation arises.