NCERT Class 9 Political Science — Chapter 4: Democratic rights

mcqeasy

With reference to the doctrine of substantive due process adopted by Indian courts, Article 21 has been interpreted to protect:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe right to bear arms for self-defence.
BThe right to strike by government employees.
CThe right to food and livelihood.
DThe right to acquire and hold property.

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

The right to food and livelihood.

Explanation

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the Protection of Life and Personal Liberty. Following the landmark judgment in Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), the Supreme Court adopted the doctrine of substantive due process. This interpretation expanded the scope of Article 21 to ensure that the procedure established by law is "just, fair, and reasonable." Consequently, the "Right to Life" is not merely confined to animal existence but encompasses the right to live with human dignity.

Analysis of Options:

The right to bear arms for self-defence. The right to bear arms for self-defence: Incorrect.
In India, the right to bear arms is not a Fundamental Right under Article 21. It is a statutory right governed by the Arms Act, 1959, and is subject to strict regulation by the state.
The right to food and livelihood. The right to food and livelihood: Correct.
The Supreme Court has interpreted Article 21 broadly to include rights essential for a dignified life. In Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985), the Court ruled that the right to livelihood is an integral part of the right to life, as no person can live without the means of living. Similarly, in PUCL v. Union of India, the Court affirmed the right to food as a constitutional right derived from Article 21.
The right to acquire and hold property. The right to acquire and hold property: Incorrect.
The right to property was originally a Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31. However, it was removed from Part III by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act (1978). It is now a constitutional (or legal) right under Article 300-A, not a Fundamental Right under Article 21.
The right to strike by government employees. The right to strike by government employees: Incorrect.
The Supreme Court, in judgments such as T.K. Rangarajan v. Government of Tamil Nadu (2003), has explicitly held that government employees have no fundamental, statutory, or moral right to go on strike.

Key Takeaway:
Under the doctrine of substantive due process, Article 21 serves as an umbrella provision encompassing implied rights such as the right to privacy, clean environment, livelihood, and food, ensuring a life of dignity beyond mere physical survival.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Democratic rights

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognizes which of the following? 1. It recognizes the right to work. 2. It explicitly excludes the right to social security and insurance. 3. It recognizes the right to an adequate standard of living. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Consider the following statements regarding the "Right to Education" in India: 1. It is a Fundamental Right. 2. It guarantees free and compulsory education to all children up to the age of 18. 3. It places the responsibility solely on parents, not the government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements about the "National Human Rights Commission" (NHRC): 1. It is appointed by the President. 2. It consists exclusively of serving police officers. 3. It cannot present findings to the government or intervene in court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Under the Right to Constitutional Remedies, a citizen whose Fundamental Rights have been violated has the right to:

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Which one of the following pairs of Fundamental Rights and their provisions is NOT correctly matched?

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Keep practising Chapter 4: Democratic rights

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Correct Option

The correct option is

The right to food and livelihood.

Explanation

Analysis of Options:

The right to bear arms for self-defence. The right to bear arms for self-defence: Incorrect.
In India, the right to bear arms is not a Fundamental Right under Article 21. It is a statutory right governed by the Arms Act, 1959, and is subject to strict regulation by the state.
The right to food and livelihood. The right to food and livelihood: Correct.
The Supreme Court has interpreted Article 21 broadly to include rights essential for a dignified life. In Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985), the Court ruled that the right to livelihood is an integral part of the right to life, as no person can live without the means of living. Similarly, in PUCL v. Union of India, the Court affirmed the right to food as a constitutional right derived from Article 21.
The right to acquire and hold property. The right to acquire and hold property: Incorrect.
The right to property was originally a Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31. However, it was removed from Part III by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act (1978). It is now a constitutional (or legal) right under Article 300-A, not a Fundamental Right under Article 21.
The right to strike by government employees. The right to strike by government employees: Incorrect.
The Supreme Court, in judgments such as T.K. Rangarajan v. Government of Tamil Nadu (2003), has explicitly held that government employees have no fundamental, statutory, or moral right to go on strike.