The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre and states on a petition that sought a direction for adherence of all citizens to fundamental duties as postulated under Part IV-A of the Constitution as the same is coextensive with fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 14 (equality), 19 (freedom of speech) and 21 (life and personal liberty).

A bench of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M.M. Sundresh sought the response on the petition filed by advocate Durga Dutt who also sought a directive to the authorities to formulate an incentive scheme for citizens to discharge their fundamental duties.

According to the petition, fundamental duties are important tool to protect the unity and integrity of several institutions including the judiciary, but there is no mechanism created by law or constitution to make the same mandatory.

“It is the need of the time to motivate every citizen of India to perform their duty to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India; to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so, to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture and protect and improve the national environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. The people of this country should have a duty to preserve the nationality and integrity of the country,” the petitioner has pleaded.

The petitioner has submitted that the current disgust aroused by falling ethical standards provide a timely opportunity to launch a nationwide movement to enable all citizens to become aware of their rights and responsibilities, understand their obligations to observe constitutional values and carry out their fundamental duties as provided under Article 51-A.

Presently under the Indian constitution, a citizen can move the Supreme Court or a high court for enforcement of his/her fundamental rights. However under Article 51-A, which provides the citizens fundamental duties, has no corresponding right vested in a person or duty to discharge the same.