Correct Option
The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty. The Supreme Court of India has interpreted the "Right to Life" broadly, establishing that it is not merely a right to animal existence but includes the right to live with human dignity. This interpretation encompasses various derivative rights, including the right to health and medical assistance.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Right to Life is explicitly enshrined in Article 21, which falls under Part III of the Constitution. It is a Fundamental Right available to both citizens and non-citizens.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Supreme Court, notably in Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity v. State of West Bengal (1996), held that the government has a constitutional obligation to provide medical aid to preserve human life. Failure to provide timely medical treatment to a person in need results in a violation of the Right to Life. Therefore, the State is not absolved of this duty; rather, it is mandated to fulfill it.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: In the landmark case of Parmanand Katara v. Union of India (1989), the Supreme Court ruled that the Right to Life includes the right to receive immediate medical attention in emergency situations. The court stated that preservation of life is of paramount importance, and procedural formalities should not impede emergency medical treatment.
Key Takeaway: Article 21 imposes a positive obligation on the State to preserve life. This includes the right to health and the right to emergency medical aid, making access to healthcare an integral part of the Fundamental Right to Life.