Fundamental Rights (FRs) and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are two important pillars of the Indian Constitution. While Fundamental Rights protect individual freedoms and ensure political democracy, DPSPs guide the State in establishing social and economic justice and building a welfare state.

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• Fundamental Rights (FRs) are contained in Part III (Articles 12–35) of the Constitution.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are contained in Part IV (Articles 36–51).
• Fundamental Rights are justiciable, meaning they can be enforced through courts.
• DPSPs are non-justiciable and cannot be enforced by any court.
• Fundamental Rights protect citizens from arbitrary actions of the State.
• DPSPs guide the government in policy-making and governance.
• FRs aim to establish political democracy and individual liberty.
• DPSPs aim to establish social and economic democracy.
• Violation of Fundamental Rights can be challenged under Articles 32 and 226.
• There is no legal remedy for the violation of DPSPs.
• Examples of FRs include Right to Equality, Right to Freedom and Right to Constitutional Remedies.
• Examples of DPSPs include Equal Pay for Equal Work, Uniform Civil Code, Right to Work and Public Health.
• Fundamental Rights focus primarily on individual welfare and freedoms.
• DPSPs focus on collective welfare and nation-building.
• The Champakam Dorairajan Case (1951) held that Fundamental Rights prevail over DPSPs.
• The Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973) sought a balance between FRs and DPSPs through the Basic Structure Doctrine.
• The Minerva Mills Case (1980) declared that FRs and DPSPs are complementary to each other.
• Together, FRs and DPSPs help achieve the constitutional goals of justice, equality and welfare.