Constitution of India · Section Article 21
Protection of life and personal liberty
Article 21 — Protection of life and personal liberty
deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.
21A. Right to education.—The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine.]
Plain English Summary
This article guarantees that every person has the fundamental right to live with dignity and has the right to make decisions about their own life (personal liberty). The government cannot take away these rights unless it follows a proper legal procedure.
Key Points
- It protects the right to life and personal freedom for all citizens.
- Any restriction on these rights must be based on a law established by the government.
- This is considered the cornerstone of fundamental rights in India.
Why It Matters
This article ensures that basic human rights, like the right to live with dignity and freedom, are protected against arbitrary actions by the state.
Landmark Judgements
| Case | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India | 1978 | Expanded the scope of Article 21 to mean that the procedure established by law must be fair, just, and reasonable. |
| Francis Coralie Mullin vs Administrator, Union Territory of Delhi | 1981 | Established that the right to life under Article 21 includes the right to live with human dignity. |