EXPANSION OF ARTILE 21 OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION AND ITS JUDICIAL INTERPRETATION

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, has evolved into one of the most dynamic and significant fundamental rights through judicial interpretation. Initially understood in a narrow, procedural sense, the provision underwent a transformative expansion, particularly after the landmark judgment in Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, where the Supreme Court introduced the requirement that laws affecting life and liberty must be fair, just, and reasonable. Over time, the judiciary has interpreted Article 21 to include a wide range of rights essential to living with dignity, such as the right to livelihood, health, education, privacy, a clean environment, and legal aid. This article traces the historical development of Article 21, highlighting the shift from a strict “procedure established by law” approach to a more substantive “due process” interpretation. It also examines key judicial decisions that have contributed to this expansion and discusses recent developments, including recognition of rights related to mental health, digital access, and menstrual health. Ultimately, Article 21 stands as a living and evolving provision that reflects the principles of human dignity and transformative constitutionalism in India.