Constitution of IndiaPart IIIFundamental Right

Article 21

Protection of Life and Personal Liberty

right to lifepersonal libertyManeka Gandhiprocedureprivacydignityright to livelihood

Plain English Explanation

Article 21 is the most expansive and dynamic fundamental right. It guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. Initially interpreted narrowly (A.K. Gopalan, 1950), the Supreme Court vastly expanded its scope in Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) to require that any procedure depriving life/liberty must be "just, fair and reasonable." Today Article 21 includes the right to: livelihood, privacy (K.S. Puttaswamy, 2017), education, health, clean environment, speedy trial, legal aid, dignity, reputation, and shelter.

Legal Text

The Constitution of India · Article 21

No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.

Art. 20 — Protection in Respect of Conviction for Offences Art. 22 — Protection Against Arrest and Detention in Certain Cases Art. 32 — Remedies for Enforcement of Rights Conferred by this Part Art. 300A

Quick Facts

Article Number: 21
Part: III
Type: Fundamental Right

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