Consider the following statements regarding the 'Right to Life': 1. It is a Fundamental Right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. 2. It does not encompass the right to live a decent life with dignity. 3. It includes access to basic needs like health and water. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is considered the heart of Fundamental Rights. It guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty, serving as a check against arbitrary state action. - Statement 1 is Correct: Article 21 explicitly mandates that "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law." It is a Fundamental Right available to every person, including citizens and non-citizens. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Supreme Court has interpreted the "Right to Life" expansively. In the landmark case of Francis Coralie Mullin v. Administrator, Union Territory of Delhi (1981), the Court ruled that the right to life includes the right to live with human dignity and is not restricted to mere animal existence or physical survival. - Statement 3 is Correct: Through judicial interpretation, the scope of Article 21 has been widened to include various derivative rights essential for a dignified existence. This includes the right to health, clean environment, pollution-free water, shelter, and livelihood (e.g., Bandhua Mukti Morcha case, Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar). Key Takeaway: Article 21 is an evolving right that transcends mere physical existence to encompass the right to live with human dignity and access to basic necessities such as health and water.

NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 5: Public Facilities

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Consider the following statements regarding the 'Right to Life':

It is a Fundamental Right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
It does not encompass the right to live a decent life with dignity.
It includes access to basic needs like health and water.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is considered the heart of Fundamental Rights. It guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty, serving as a check against arbitrary state action.

Statement 1 is Correct: Article 21 explicitly mandates that "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law." It is a Fundamental Right available to every person, including citizens and non-citizens.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Supreme Court has interpreted the "Right to Life" expansively. In the landmark case of Francis Coralie Mullin v. Administrator, Union Territory of Delhi (1981), the Court ruled that the right to life includes the right to live with human dignity and is not restricted to mere animal existence or physical survival.
Statement 3 is Correct: Through judicial interpretation, the scope of Article 21 has been widened to include various derivative rights essential for a dignified existence. This includes the right to health, clean environment, pollution-free water, shelter, and livelihood (e.g., Bandhua Mukti Morcha case, Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar).

Key Takeaway: Article 21 is an evolving right that transcends mere physical existence to encompass the right to live with human dignity and access to basic necessities such as health and water.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Public Facilities

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the 'Right to Water' and the Constitution of India?

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With reference to the judicial interpretation of the Right to Life in the context of water, consider the following 1. The right entitles every person to sufficient water for domestic use. 2. The water provided must be physically accessible and affordable. 3. The state is not obligated to prevent the contamination of water sources by private industries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following assertions regarding 'Public Facilities': 1. Once a public facility is provided, its benefits can be shared by many people simultaneously. 2. The construction of a school or the supply of electricity are examples of facilities where the benefit is restricted to a single user. 3. Public facilities are essential services provided solely by the private sector in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the role of the government in the economy: 1. The government plays a central role in regulating economic activities through laws. 2. The government has no role in the enforcement of laws concerning working conditions in private factories. 3. The government is responsible for ensuring that public facilities are made available to everyone. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following best defines the concept of 'Universal Access' in the context of public facilities?

easy

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is considered the heart of Fundamental Rights. It guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty, serving as a check against arbitrary state action.

Statement 1 is Correct: Article 21 explicitly mandates that "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law." It is a Fundamental Right available to every person, including citizens and non-citizens.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Supreme Court has interpreted the "Right to Life" expansively. In the landmark case of Francis Coralie Mullin v. Administrator, Union Territory of Delhi (1981), the Court ruled that the right to life includes the right to live with human dignity and is not restricted to mere animal existence or physical survival.
Statement 3 is Correct: Through judicial interpretation, the scope of Article 21 has been widened to include various derivative rights essential for a dignified existence. This includes the right to health, clean environment, pollution-free water, shelter, and livelihood (e.g., Bandhua Mukti Morcha case, Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar).

Key Takeaway: Article 21 is an evolving right that transcends mere physical existence to encompass the right to live with human dignity and access to basic necessities such as health and water.