What is the Right to Privacy in India?

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What is the Right to Privacy in India

The Right to Privacy and Family is the newly added Fundamental Right of India under the Indian Constitution. It came into effect after the case K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India in 2017. Furthermore, this case challenged the Constitutional validity of the Aadhaar-based biometric system. Additionally, it made the Supreme Court of India accept the Right to Privacy as one of an individual’s Fundamental Rights. Therefore, the purview of Article 21 was expanded by the Court. Thus, along with the Right to Life and Liberty, the Right to Privacy is also mentioned in this Article. Moreover, Article 17 under Part III of the Indian Constitution deals with our Fundamental Rights, and the newest addition to it ultimately makes the Right to Privacy a Fundamental Right. Read on to learn about What is Right to Privacy in India, Right to Privacy comes under which article and Right to Privacy Examples in India!

Right to Privacy Comes Under Which Article?

The Supreme Court of India affirmed that the Right to Privacy will be the new Fundamental Right. In addition, the Right to Privacy comes under Article 21 of the Indian constitution. This Right is related to the Right to Life and Liberty. 

Also Read: Who Can Suspend the Fundamental Rights of Indians?

Supreme Court Judgment

The Supreme Court gave judgment on this case in 2017. Although Article 21 specifically does not mention the Right to Privacy, however, the Supreme Court of India has extended its meaning. 

FeatureDescription
SourceArticle 21 and Part III of the Constitution
ProtectionIntrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty
PurposeSafeguards individual autonomy and control over vital aspects of life
LimitationNot absolute, subject to reasonable restrictions
Restrictions TestThe law must meet 3 requirements:
Legality: Lawful basis exists
Need: Justified by legitimate state aim
Proportionality: Rational connection between goals and methods

Right to Privacy Examples

Furthermore, there have been cases in the news wherein there seems to be a violation of our Right to Privacy:

  • There have been instances of hidden cameras being found in hotel rooms or changing rooms.
  • Debates have arisen around the use of facial recognition technology by the Government, thus raising concerns about mass surveillance.
  • Cases of unauthorized access to Aadhaar data have also highlighted the potential for privacy violations associated with the program. 

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This is everything about the Right to Privacy in India. Moreover, you may even read more blogs and empower yourself with knowledge regarding Civics and Polity! 

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