Which article of the Indian Constitution is primarily associated with ...
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, which has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the protection of individual dignity. This interpretation has evolved through various landmark judgments, emphasizing that individual dignity is fundamental to the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. An interesting fact is that the expansion of Article 21's scope can be traced back to the landmark case of Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), which set a precedent for the protection of personal liberty beyond mere physical existence.
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Which article of the Indian Constitution is primarily associated with ...
Understanding Article 21 of the Indian Constitution
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is a fundamental right that guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty. It is primarily associated with the protection of individual dignity.
Key Aspects of Article 21
- Right to Life: Article 21 states, "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law." This ensures that every individual has the right to live with dignity.
- Judicial Interpretations: The Supreme Court of India has expansively interpreted Article 21 to include various rights essential for a dignified life. This includes:
- Right to privacy
- Right to health
- Right to a clean environment
- Right to education
- Protection Against Arbitrary Action: Article 21 protects individuals from arbitrary actions by the state. It ensures that laws must be just, fair, and reasonable, thus safeguarding individual dignity against state excesses.
Significance in Society
- Empowerment of Individuals: By emphasizing individual dignity, Article 21 empowers citizens to challenge injustices and seek redressal through the legal system.
- Foundation for Other Rights: The right to life and personal liberty serves as a foundation for other fundamental rights, reinforcing the importance of dignity in a democratic society.
In summary, Article 21 is crucial for protecting individual dignity by ensuring the right to live freely and with respect, forming the bedrock of personal liberty in India.