Home The Constitution Part IVA Article 51A(h)

Art. 51A(h) Part IVA: Fundamental Duties

Develop Scientific Temper, Humanism and the Spirit of Inquiry

Exact text — Constitution of India

(h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

A distinctively intellectual duty — asking citizens to cultivate rational, evidence-based thinking ('scientific temper'), humanistic values, and a spirit of questioning and reform rather than blind acceptance of tradition or authority.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This duty is often invoked in public discourse around science education policy, efforts to counter superstition-driven harmful practices, and debates about balancing tradition with rational inquiry — though, like other duties, it has no direct enforcement mechanism of its own.

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 51A(h)

Has any law been built specifically around this duty?

Some state-level 'anti-superstition' laws (targeting specific harmful practices like black magic-related exploitation) have referenced this duty's spirit in their preambles, though the enforceable provisions come from the specific state legislation itself.

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The text above reproduces Article 51A(h) of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.