---
title: "Directive Principles of State Policy | Model Diplomat"
description: "Directive Principles are non-justiciable guidelines in India's Constitution aimed at securing social and economic justice, crucial for civil services aspirants."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/directive-principles"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justiciable constitutional guidelines in Part IV (Articles 36–51) of the Indian Constitution directing the State to secure social and economic justice.
- Why are Directive Principles called non-justiciable?
- How did Minerva Mills (1980) settle the DPSP–Fundamental Rights conflict?
- Which Directive Principles were added by later amendments?
- From where was the concept of Directive Principles borrowed?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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Example

In Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980), the Supreme Court invoked the Directive Principles to strike down clauses of the 42nd Amendment, holding that balance between Parts III and IV is part of the basic structure.

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