What are your duties mentioned in the constitution, what is the punishment for not obeying it?

The constitution also gives us fundamental rights and duties are also prescribed for us in the same constitution.

No sovereign country can be imagined without a constitution. The purpose of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution is to establish a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. The constitution has given rights to every citizen of the country and in the same way every citizen also has some duties towards the country. As a citizen we, you, everyone should perform those duties.

Part-3 of the Indian Constitution, divided into 22 parts, describes the fundamental rights of citizens, while Part-4A describes the fundamental duties of citizens. Every citizen is expected to perform these duties. But what if a citizen does not follow these duties? Is there any punishment i.e. punishment or fine prescribed for this? Will learn about this. But first let us know what are our duties as a citizen?

It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to

1. He should follow the rules of the constitution and respect its ideals, institutions, national flag and national anthem.
2. Cherish and respect the lofty ideals that inspired our national movement for freedom.
3. Protect the unity, integrity and sovereignty of India and keep it intact.
4. Defend the country and serve the nation when called upon.
5. To create a spirit of harmony and common brotherhood among all the people of India transcending all discrimination based on religion, language, region or class. Abandon such practices which are against the respect of women.
6. Understand the importance of the glorious tradition of our social culture and protect it.
7. Protect and improve the natural environment (including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife). Have compassion for living beings.
8. Develop scientific temper, humanism, the spirit of knowledge acquisition and reform.
9. Protect public property and keep distance from violence.
10. Make a continuous effort to move towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activities.
11. Providing primary education for children of 6 to 14 years of age by parents or guardians. (Added after revision.)

Is there a provision for punishment?

The purpose of fundamental duties is to awaken the feeling of national interest in the hearts of the citizens. These duties are going to create awareness among the citizens. Self-discretion is the basis of fulfillment of these duties. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had said in the Parliament that if the citizens of the country keep the fundamental duties only in their mind, then we will immediately see a peaceful revolution.

Drishti IAS columnist Sunny Kumar says that the constitution does not mention any punishment for not performing these duties, rather it is expected from the public that they will follow them. He said that any fundamental duty is punishable only if it is protected by a particular law. Usually many duties are protected.

As it is our duty to respect the national flag and it is protected under Indian flag code law. Strict action can be taken on the insult of the national flag under the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act 1971 and the Flag Code of India, 2021. If any person is found disrespecting the National Flag, burning it, polluting it or hoisting the flag against the rules, then he can be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Similarly the duty to safeguard public property is also protected under the law. There is a provision to punish with jail or fine or both for damage to public properties. Laws are also prescribed for maintaining the integrity of the nation. Its disobedience can be punished under the law prescribed for treason.