The correct option is Right to Life.
Explanation
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty. Through judicial activism and liberal interpretation, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of "Right to Life" to include implied rights that are essential for a dignified human existence, rather than mere animal survival.
Option Analysis:
- Right to Life. is Correct: The Supreme Court, in landmark judgments such as Chameli Singh v. State of U.P. (1996) and Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985), ruled that the Right to Life includes the right to live with human dignity. The court explicitly stated that the "Right to Shelter" is an integral part of Article 21, as shelter is necessary for a human being to grow physically, mentally, and intellectually.
- Right to Property. is Incorrect: The Right to Property is a constitutional/legal right under Article 300-A (originally a Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31, deleted by the 44th Amendment). It does not encompass the socio-economic guarantee of shelter required for dignity.
- Right to Residence. is Incorrect: Article 19(1)(e) guarantees the freedom to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India. While related, this article protects the liberty of movement and settlement against arbitrary state restriction. The specific right to have shelter as a necessity for survival falls under the broader ambit of Article 21.
- Right to Equality. is Incorrect: The Right to Equality (Articles 14-18) deals with equality before the law and equal protection of the laws, which is distinct from the substantive right to basic amenities like shelter.
Key Takeaway:
The "Right to Shelter" is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but is a derivative right inferred from Article 21, as it is essential for the enjoyment of the Right to Life with dignity.