Question

How did the Supreme Court enhance Fundamental Rights, particularly relating to the Right to Life under Article 21?

• A. By restricting individual liberty
• B. By narrowing the scope of Article 20
• C. By expanding the interpretation to include various aspects of a quality life
• D. By expanding the scope of Fundamental Duties

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The Supreme Court of India has significantly expanded the understanding and application of Fundamental Rights, especially the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Initially, Article 21 was interpreted narrowly, protecting only against the deprivation of life and personal liberty according to established legal procedure. However, landmark judgments have broadened its scope to encompass numerous rights essential for a dignified life.

A key shift occurred in Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), where the Supreme Court adopted a more expansive interpretation. It declared that the 'procedure established by law' must be fair, just, and reasonable, thereby prohibiting arbitrary or oppressive actions affecting personal liberty. This ruling paved the way for subsequent expansions.

Later rulings incorporated several dimensions into Article 21:

• Right to Privacy: Recognized as a component of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty in the judgment Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017).
• Right to Livelihood: Established in Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985), holding that depriving someone of their livelihood is equivalent to depriving them of life.
• Right to a Healthy Environment: Linked to health preservation and improvement, including access to clean air and potable water.
• Right to Education: Initially implied under Article 21, it was later explicitly recognized as a fundamental right through Article 21A.
• Right against Inhuman Treatment: Acknowledged in cases involving custodial violence and the humane treatment of prisoners.

Through these interpretations, the Supreme Court has effectively widened the scope of Article 21, ensuring not just physical existence but a life of quality. This has profoundly altered the perception and protection of Fundamental Rights in India. Therefore, the correct answer is: By expanding the interpretation to include various aspects of a quality life.