UPSC Mains 2024 · GS II · Q12 · 15 marks · 250 words

Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity.

हिन्दी में

निजता का अधिकार, प्राण तथा दैहिक स्वतंत्रता के आंतरिक भाग के रूप में, संविधान के अनुच्छेद 21 के अन्तर्गत स्वाभाविक रूप से संरक्षित है । व्याख्या कीजिये । इस संदर्भ में एक गर्भस्थ शिशु के पितृत्व को सिद्ध करने के लिये डी.एन.ए. परीक्षण से सम्बन्धित विधि की चर्चा कीजिये ।

Fundamental RightsWomen and Gender

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Article 21 of the Indian Constitution broadly interprets the right to life and liberty. Elucidate with the help of relevant case laws.”

Sapna Chandel185 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

"No person shall be deprived of his right to life & liberty, except for procedure established by law" - Article 21

Body · points

Article 21 - life & life of individual liberty

  1. Procedure established → Due process of law, provided by SC in Maneka Gandhi case, broaden scope from animalistic existence to dignified life.
  2. Using it SC brought Public Interest Litigations in India to make justice equitable. Eg:- Hussainara khatoon case (Right to fair trial)
  3. Expanded scope of Human rights → (i) Right to livelihood → Olga Tellis case → (ii) Right to dignity → Bandhu Mukti Morcha case

(4) It encompasses environmental rights & issue.

eg:- Ranjit singh case → Right against adverse impact of climate change.

(5) check on power excess by executive or legislature → protect Fundamental Rights.

eg:- SC decision against post facto clearance to development project (Environment).

(6) Ensured justice fair & equitable, even to most vulnerable.

Close · a summary

eg:- SC upheld Right to access to public services to Persons with disabilities.

Article 21 has been evolution as the nation evalvolved, is a great combination of judicial activism & Constitutional morality

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper II, Q12. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.