Article 21 of Indian Constitution, Important Rights

Article 21 of Indian Constitution states that no person shall be deprived of life or personal liberty except according to a procedure established by law. Over time, the courts have interpreted this article to cover not only survival but also a life with dignity, livelihood, and essential needs. Students should understand that it also protects rights related to health, education, and privacy.

For UPSC aspirants, a clear understanding of Article 21 of Indian Constitution assists in answering questions on rights, law, and governance. It also links to contemporary issues such as data protection, mental health, and welfare. Knowledge of judicial expansions allows candidates to provide accurate and complete answers. 

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What is Article 21?

Article 21 is part of the Fundamental Rights. It states, “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.” This provision protects every individual. Over time, courts have expanded their meaning to include dignity, livelihood, privacy, health, and education. UPSC aspirants should study its evolution for essays, general studies questions, and case studies.

Article 21 of Indian Constitution in Hindi

Article 21 का सरल अर्थ है‑ “किसी व्यक्ति को उसके जीवन या व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता से, कानून द्वारा तय प्रक्रिया के बिना नहीं छीना जा सकता।” यह प्रावधान जीवन और स्वतंत्रता की रक्षा करता है। न्यायालयों ने इसे समय के साथ विस्तारित किया। अब इसमें शिक्षा, स्वास्थ्य, स्वच्छ वातावरण और गोपनीयता के अधिकार भी शामिल हैं।

Article 21 of Indian Constitution and its Importance for UPSC aspirants

Article 21 is an important topic for UPSC aspirants. It covers rights such as health, education, environment, and privacy. Students should understand its link with Articles 14 and 19. This article is important for the preparation of essays, general studies papers, and case study questions. UPSC Aspirants should take care of the following points about Article 21 of Indian Constitution for exam preparation:

• Article 21 protects the life and personal liberty of every individual.

• It guarantees the right to health, education, and a clean environment.

• It also ensures the right to privacy and personal dignity.

• Article 21 is closely connected with Articles 14, 19, and 32 in examination questions.

• Students should study landmark cases such as Maneka Gandhi and Puttaswamy to provide examples in answers.

• A clear understanding of Article 21 enables students to write detailed answers on governance, law, and human rights.
  
  

Rights Covered Under Article 21

Article 21 now protects many rights because of judicial decisions. Initially, it only covered life and liberty. Courts have expanded it to include dignity, livelihood, privacy, health, and environment.

Candidates should note down the following Rights Covered Under Article 21:

• Every person has the right to live with dignity.

• Every person has the right to livelihood.

• Every person has the right to health and medical care.

• Every person has the right to live in a clean environment.

• Every person has the right to privacy and personal autonomy.

• Every person has the right to legal aid, a fair trial, and protection from arbitrary detention.
  
  

Article 21 and Right to Privacy

The right to privacy is included under Article 21 of Indian Constitution. In the case of K.S. Puttaswamy versus Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court held that privacy is part of life and personal liberty. This right ensures that the government cannot interfere with personal life without a legal reason. Students should understand that privacy covers personal information, bodily integrity, and freedom of choice.

Article 21 Important Cases

Many landmark cases have expanded the scope of Article 21. They show how courts protect life and liberty of the citizens. Students should remember these cases for UPSC preparation. Further, here are the details of Article 21 Important Cases: