It has been interpreted by the Judiciary as an integral part of the Right to Life under Article 21.
Explanation
The Constitution of India does not explicitly enumerate the 'Right to Water' as a distinct Fundamental Right in the text of Part III. However, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Article 21 (Protection of Life and Personal Liberty) through judicial interpretation to include rights essential for a dignified human existence, such as the right to clean environment and water.
Analysis of Options:
- It is explicitly mentioned as a separate Fundamental Right under Article 19. is Incorrect: Article 19 guarantees six specific freedoms (speech, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession). The Right to Water is not explicitly mentioned in the text of Article 19.
- It is a statutory right provided by the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, not a Constitutional right. is Incorrect: While statutes like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 exist to regulate water quality, the 'Right to Water' is recognized as a Fundamental Right, which holds a higher status than a mere statutory right.
- It has been interpreted by the Judiciary as an integral part of the Right to Life under Article 21. is Correct: The Supreme Court, in various judgments such as Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991) and Narmada Bachao Andolan v. Union of India (2000), has held that the Right to Life under Article 21 includes the right to the enjoyment of pollution-free water and air. Access to clean drinking water is considered fundamental to the right to live with dignity.
- It is a Directive Principle of State Policy and not enforceable in any court of law. is Incorrect: While Article 47 (under Directive Principles of State Policy) directs the State to improve public health and the standard of living, the judiciary has elevated the Right to Water beyond a non-justiciable principle to an enforceable Fundamental Right linked to Article 21.
Key Takeaway:
The Right to Water is an implied Fundamental Right derived from the Right to Life (Article 21) via judicial interpretation, making it enforceable despite not being explicitly listed in the Constitution.