INVISIBLE LIVES, INALIENABLE RIGHTS: REVISITING ARTICLE 21 IN THE CONTEXT OF BEGGING AND EUTHANASIA

Criminalization of begging and the act of euthanasia are two significant topics where Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is involved. On one side, by criminalizing begging, it deprives humans of the right to live with dignity guaranteed under Article 21. Whereas, on the other hand, by not permitting euthanasia for people suffering with chronic illnesses, the right to die/ live with dignity is violated. This paper delves into both these dimensions and revisits Article 21 by looking at the issue at hand and highlighting significant judicial precedents to understand the legal, ethical and social perspectives.