Topic Details (Notes format)

Article 21 and Expanding Horizons

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

Originally guaranteed protection of life and personal liberty only from executive action. Judicial interpretation has vastly expanded it to include rights to health, education, livelihood, environment, shelter, reputation, and a speedy trial. The Maneka Gandhi case (1978) famously introduced “due process of law,” ensuring reasonableness in state actions. Environmental jurisprudence (Ganga pollution, vehicular emissions) recognized a healthy environment as integral to life. This expansion ensures the Constitution remains responsive to modern challenges, balancing civil liberties with collective welfare. Critics caution about judicial overreach. Nonetheless, Article 21’s breadth exemplifies the dynamic nature of Indian constitutional law.

Practice Questions

राष्ट्रपति के लिए योग्यता मानदंड किस अनुच्छेद में वर्णित हैं?

Who is the head of the government in India?

Which of the following is a provision of the Indian Constitution regarding the Emergency?

राज्यों के बीच शक्तियों का संतुलन किस सिद्धांत पर आधारित है?

Which article of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression?

Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of India?

कार्यपालिका के प्रमुख की नियुक्ति में अंतिम निर्णय किसके द्वारा होता है?

राज्यसभा के सदस्यों का चुनाव किस प्रकार से होता है?

राष्ट्रपति द्वारा दी जाने वाली शपथ किस अनुच्छेद में प्रावधिक है?

किस संविधान संशोधन ने संसद में महिलाओं के आरक्षण का प्रस्ताव रखा?