Which of the following rights is considered a component of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty?

The correct answer is Right to Privacy.

Key Points

• The Right to Privacy is considered a component of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
• This recognition was affirmed by the Supreme Court of India in the landmark judgment of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) vs Union of India in 2017.
• The judgment held that the Right to Privacy is a fundamental right and an intrinsic part of the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
• Privacy encompasses various aspects including personal autonomy, bodily integrity, and the protection of personal information.

Additional Information

• Article 21 of the Indian Constitution:
  • Article 21 states that "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law."
  • This article is fundamental to the protection of individual rights in India.
• Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017):
  • This case addressed the constitutionality of the Aadhaar project and the broader implications on privacy.
  • The Supreme Court's verdict affirmed privacy as a fundamental right under the Constitution.
• Implications of the Right to Privacy:
  • It impacts various domains such as data protection, surveillance, and personal autonomy.
  • Legislations and policies now need to ensure they do not infringe upon this fundamental right.
• Global Context:
  • Many international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, recognize the right to privacy.
  • This right is crucial in the digital age where personal data is extensively used and shared.