Constitutional Commitment to Human Rights in India
India’s commitment to human rights is reflected in the Constitution, which provides a thorough framework for defending the liberties and rights of people.
Role of the Indian Judiciary in Protecting Human Rights
The Indian Judiciary has dealt with many pivotal human rights issues over the years and provided legal remedies through the interpretation of fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution, even when many aspects of human rights are not expressly defined within the letter of Constitutional law. One such important aspect is human dignity.
Human Dignity and Article 21 of the Constitution
Human dignity, though not expressly defined in the Indian Constitution, has been judicially recognized as intrinsic to the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21. The Indian Supreme Court has continuously broadened the scope of Article 21 by construing the “right to life” as the right to live with dignity, making dignity a fundamental constitutional value.
Scope of Dignity Under Article 21
When considered in the context of senior citizens’ rights in India, dignity includes their right to live a life of social inclusion, autonomy, respect, and care. The Indian Constitution, through Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty), implicitly guarantees the right to live with dignity. This implies that the elderly have the right to age gracefully, with access to care, respect, autonomy, and dignity.
- Right to social inclusion
- Right to autonomy
- Right to respect
- Right to adequate care
From the lens of Article 21, dignity is not a luxury but a constitutional necessity for all.
Judicial Expansion of the Concept of Dignity
This judicial approach has enabled the courts to address a wide array of socio-economic and civil rights, including:
- Right to health
- Right to shelter
- Right to education
- Right to privacy
- Right to die with dignity
Landmark Judgment: Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
Landmark judgments such as Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India illustrate the judiciary’s expansive interpretation of Article 21, ensuring that dignity is not a mere abstract value but a tangible right with enforceable content.
Key Constitutional Principles Related to Human Dignity
| Constitutional Provision | Judicial Interpretation | Impact on Human Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Article 21 | Right to life includes right to live with dignity | Expands protection to socio-economic and civil rights |
| Judicial Activism | Broad and liberal interpretation of fundamental rights | Ensures enforceability of dignity as a legal right |
Written By: Komal Dakoria
