IAS 2021 — Political Science Indian Polity

2021mcqeasy

Right to Privacy' is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India?

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

AArticle 15
BArticle 19
CArticle 21
DArticle 29

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The Right to Privacy is protected under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. In the landmark judgment of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court of India unanimously declared the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right. The Court held that privacy is an intrinsic part of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty guaranteed under Article 21. While it also has connections to other fundamental rights, including those under Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 19 (Right to Freedom), Article 21 serves as its primary constitutional foundation.

Incorrect Options

Article 15: This article prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It does not directly protect the Right to Privacy.
Article 19: This article guarantees six fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession. While aspects of privacy may intersect with these freedoms, Article 19 is not the primary constitutional basis for the Right to Privacy.
Article 29: This article protects the cultural and educational rights of minorities, ensuring their right to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture. It is unrelated to the Right to Privacy.

Your note

IAS Indian Polity in other years

Indian Polity 2026 Indian Polity 2025 Indian Polity 2024 Indian Polity 2023 Indian Polity 2022 Indian Polity 2020 Indian Polity 2019 Indian Polity 2018 Indian Polity 2017 Indian Polity 2016 Indian Polity 2015 Indian Polity 2014

More IAS Indian Polity questions

Consider the following statements with reference to the Constitution of India: 1. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the Constitution of India will be officially called the 'Constitution of India'. 2. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the Indian Independence Act, 1947 and the Government of India Act, 1935 stand repealed. 3. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that mentions 26th January, 1950 as the date of the commencement of the Constitution of India. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct?

2026hard

'X' was addressing a seminar on the meaning of the term 'law' as provided under Article 13, Part III of the Constitution of India. 'X' explained that the meaning of the term 'law' in the Constitution of India was very comprehensive. It included ordinances, orders and even rules and regulations. 'Y' pointed out that the term 'law' in Article 13 also included custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law, to which 'X' was not convinced. Based on the above, select the correct conclusion from the options given below:

2026medium

In a multi-ethnic district where both economic competition and historical grievances frequently led to community tensions, a flashpoint has arisen with a Government decision to allocate land for a waste management facility near a tribal hamlet, sparking protests by the tribal community, which claimed that the land was sacred and critical to their cultural identity. At the same time, urban residents and local industries supported the project, citing severe solid waste challenges and health concerns due to lack of a proper disposal site. The conflict has escalated with road blockades, social media campaigns, and allegations of police excesses. As a responsible Government official, you are tasked with resolving the situation through mediation, ensuring a sustainable outcome that balances environmental needs, tribal rights, and urban public health. Consider the following statements with reference to the above: 1. A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives. 2. The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group. 3. Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform — including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives — to build mutual understanding and help de-escalate tensions. 4. Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and sharing findings transparently with both sides to facilitate evidence-based decision-making. Which of the statements given above would contribute to the resolution process?

2026medium

Ms. X is a mid-level civil service official working in the urban development department of a major city. Recently, she was involved in approving a contract for a public infrastructure project — a new community park. During the approval process, she received a piece of confidential information indicating that one of the shortlisted contractors had a history of poor workmanship and allegations of corruption in other cities, though nothing had been legally proven. The Head of the Department, Mr. Y, advised her not to disclose this information to the project committee or the public because it could delay the project and damage the city's reputation. However, Ms. X believed that withholding such information compromised transparency and public trust. What amongst the following should Ms. X do now? 1. Immediately disclose the information to the project committee and the public 2. Recommend removing the contractor from the shortlist to protect the project's integrity 3. Propose a 'limited disclosure' to an oversight committee, while keeping the information confidential from the public for the time being Select the answer using the code given below :

2026medium

Consider the following statements about the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of the Parliament of India: 1. Although members of this Committee are elected from both Houses of Parliament, the Chairperson of this Committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. 2. Twenty members are elected by the Rajya Sabha and ten members by the Lok Sabha. 3. No Minister, except for the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, is eligible to be a member of this Committee. 4. Members are elected for a fixed term of two years from the date they enter their office. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct?

2026medium

View all Indian Polity questions

Keep practicing Indian Polity

Work through every IAS Indian Polity PYQ, year by year.

Browse all Political Science topics

Correct Option

Incorrect Options

Article 15: This article prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It does not directly protect the Right to Privacy.
Article 19: This article guarantees six fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession. While aspects of privacy may intersect with these freedoms, Article 19 is not the primary constitutional basis for the Right to Privacy.
Article 29: This article protects the cultural and educational rights of minorities, ensuring their right to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture. It is unrelated to the Right to Privacy.