Important Rights under Article 21
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution
Text:
“No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.”
Meaning and Scope
Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
Over time, the Supreme Court has interpreted this right broadly to include a wide range of rights essential to live with dignity.
Important Rights Under Article 21
1. Right to Life
Not just mere survival, but life with dignity, health, and well-being.
Includes right to livelihood, clean environment, shelter, and access to health care.
2. Right to Personal Liberty
Protection from arbitrary detention or arrest.
The procedure for depriving liberty must be fair, just, and reasonable.
3. Right to a Fair Trial and Due Process
Includes right to be heard, legal representation, and speedy trial.
4. Right to Privacy
Recognized as part of Article 21 (landmark case: Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India, 2017).
Protects personal autonomy and confidentiality.
5. Right to Livelihood
Right to earn a means of living without unreasonable restrictions.
Denial of livelihood is considered deprivation of life.
6. Right to Clean Environment
Includes right to pollution-free air and water for a healthy life.
7. Right to Health and Medical Care
Right to medical treatment and health facilities.
8. Right Against Death Penalty (Right to Live with Dignity)
Death penalty is an exception but should be imposed only in rare cases with utmost care.
9. Right to Education (Indirectly)
Although explicitly guaranteed under Article 21A, right to education has been read into Article 21 as a facet of life with dignity.
10. Right to Shelter
Right to shelter and housing as part of dignified life.
11. Right Against Inhumane Treatment
Protection against torture or degrading treatment by the state.
Summary Table
| Right under Article 21 | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Right to Life | Life with dignity, health, and well-being |
| Right to Personal Liberty | Freedom from arbitrary detention |
| Right to Fair Trial | Due process and legal safeguards |
| Right to Privacy | Protection of personal data and autonomy |
| Right to Livelihood | Right to earn and work |
| Right to Clean Environment | Healthy surroundings |
| Right to Health | Access to medical care |
| Right Against Death Penalty | Death penalty only in rare, justifiable cases |
| Right to Education | Implicitly included as essential to life |
| Right to Shelter | Housing as part of dignified living |
| Right Against Inhumane Treatment | Protection from torture and cruelty |
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