right to life

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Punjab & Haryana High Court: Child in Womb During Accident Is Subject To Reimbursement Under MV Act AN ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF CSR IN THE COMPANIES ACT 2013 05 Apr 2025 The Indian Supreme Court radically changed the meaning of the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution in 1981 when it handed down a landmark decision in the case of Francis Coralie Mullin v. Administrator, Union Territory of Delhi. This case was more than just a court battle; it also represented a major advancement in Indian human rights law.The case centred on Francis Coralie Mullin‘s situation, who protested the cruel circumstances surrounding her imprisonment. The court’s ruling emphasised that the right to life encompasses more than just the ability to survive physically. It also includes the right to live with dignity.As we examine this case in more detail, we’ll see how this landmark decision changed the legal landscape by guaranteeing that the Indian state‘s obligation to safeguard life includes a duty to provide humane and respectable living conditions. Whether you’re a student, a lawyer, or just someone who cares about human rights, this investigation will give you important context for understanding one of the most important judicial rulings in Indian history. An overview of the 1981 case Francis Coralie v. Union Territory of Delhi The seminal case of Francis Coralie v. Union Territory of Delhi (1981) has had a profound effect on India’s fundamental rights landscape. The case explores the fundamental ideas of individual freedom and the defence of rights against the state. Context of the Case In the case of Francis Coralie v. Union Territory of Delhi (1981), the petitioner was a journalist and social worker who was wrongfully detained by the Delhi Police in violation of preventive detention statutes. The petitioner contested this arbitrary detention on the grounds that it violated his or her fundamental rights to life and personal liberty as guaranteed by Articles 21 and 19 of the Indian Constitution. Importance of the Situation The Francis Coralie case is significant because it helped define India’s expanded understanding and application of fundamental rights. The ruling stressed that the protection of one’s dignity, privacy and physical integrity are all included in the concept of personal liberty, which goes beyond simple physical freedom.The case made clear how crucial it is to defend human rights values and make sure that government activities are consistent with the guarantees of constitutional protection that each and every person receives. By restating the judiciary‘s position as a protector of fundamental rights and a check on administrative excess, it established a precedent for cases to come. Important Case Details The famous case of Francis Coralie v. Union Territory of Delhi (1981) had a big influence on how fundamental human rights were interpreted in India. The lawsuit established a precedent for upcoming human rights cases and addressed important legal issues. Let’s examine the salient features of this significant case. Parties involved In this case, Francis Coralie, a social activist and lawyer, filed a petition against the Union Territory of Delhi, asserting a breach of fundamental rights. The Union Territory of Delhi represented the government officials whose acts were being scrutinised. The case highlighted the conflict amongst private liberties and state power, making it a major source of disagreement. Legal Issues Addressed The case focused chiefly on a violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which provides the protection of life as well as private liberty. Francis Coralie stated that the activities of government officials violated individuals’ worth and well-being, underscoring the significance of defending fundamental rights even in the face of state action. This case underscored the importance of the ability to live in dignity as an integral part of the right to life. Judgement and Impact The Supreme Court‘s decision emphasised the importance of Article 21 and broadened its meaning to encompass the right of living with dignity. The decision strengthened the protection of fundamental rights and established a precedent for subsequent situations involving human rights breaches. The influence of this case went transcend Francis Coralie’s individual circumstances, impacting the legal landscape of rights for humans in India.The Francis Coralie case serves as a timely reminder of the critical balance between individual rights and governmental authority, underscoring the fundamental ideals of human dignity and liberty established in the Indian Constitution. Impact on the Indian Legal System​ The 1981 Supreme Court case of Francis Coralie Mullin v. Administrator, Union Territory of Delhi significantly impacted the Indian legal system, particularly concerning personal liberty and the establishment of precedents for future judicial actions.​Indian Kanoon Enhancing the Realm of Personal Liberty In this landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India expanded the scope of personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The Court emphasized the inherent dignity and worth of the individual, broadening the definition of personal liberty beyond mere physical restraint. This interpretation laid a robust foundation for protecting Indian citizens’ fundamental rights against arbitrary state actions, reinforcing the principle that personal liberty is sacred and inviolable.​Indian Kanoon Setting Precedents for Future Cases The ruling in the Francis Coralie Mullin case set important precedents that have influenced subsequent legal discourse in India.