Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017): Right to Privacy as a Fundamental Right under Article 21

Introduction

The Supreme Court’s verdict in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017) marked a turning point in the interpretation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, firmly establishing the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right. This historic judgment redefined the scope of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, strengthening the framework of individual freedoms in India.

Background of the Case

The case was initiated by Justice K.S. Puttaswamy, a retired judge of the Karnataka High Court, who challenged the Aadhaar scheme on the grounds that it violated the right to privacy. The matter was referred to a nine-judge Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court to determine whether the Right to Privacy is a fundamental right under the Constitution.

The key legal question was:

❝ Does the Constitution of India guarantee the right to privacy as an intrinsic part of fundamental rights? ❞

Judgment Summary

On 24 August 2017, the Supreme Court unanimously held that the Right to Privacy is a fundamental right protected under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty), and also intertwined with Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 19 (Freedom of Speech and Expression).

The key observations from the judgment include:

• Privacy is the constitutional core of human dignity.

• The right to privacy is not an elitist construct but is intrinsic to freedom, autonomy, and dignity.

• Overruled M.P. Sharma v. Satish Chandra (1954) and Kharak Singh v. State of U.P. (1962) to the extent they denied privacy as a fundamental right.

Key Legal Principles and Highlights

1. Expansion of Article 21
   The judgment broadened the meaning of “personal liberty”, interpreting it to include:

   • Autonomy over personal choices

   • Bodily integrity

   • Informational privacy

   • Decisional privacy regarding marriage, sexual orientation, and procreation

2. Balancing State Interests
   The court acknowledged that the right to privacy is not absolute. It can be restricted, but only if:

   • There is a legitimate state interest

   • The restriction is necessary and proportionate

   • There is due process and legal safeguards

3. Impact on Aadhaar & Surveillance Laws
   While the Puttaswamy ruling did not directly invalidate Aadhaar, it paved the way for later scrutiny of surveillance mechanisms, data protection policies, and biometric data collection.

Importance and Implications of the Verdict

• Recognized privacy as a cornerstone of human freedom and democracy

• Influenced the Data Protection Bill and future judgments like Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018) and Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018)

• Strengthened citizens' protection against state surveillance, data breaches, and intrusion into private life.

Conclusion

The Puttaswamy v. Union of India ruling is not just a legal milestone but a powerful affirmation of individual dignity, autonomy, and freedom in a digital age. By embedding the Right to Privacy within the heart of Article 21, the Supreme Court upheld the essence of a progressive and democratic India.

Explore more landmark cases on my blog — The Legal Catalyst, where law meets clarity.

FAQs 

Q1: What is the significance of the Puttaswamy case?
It recognized the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution.

Q2: Is the Right to Privacy absolute?
No. It can be curtailed if restrictions meet the test of legality, necessity, and proportionality.

Q3: How does this case relate to Article 21?
It broadened the scope of Article 21 by including privacy as a core component of the right to life and personal liberty.

Q4: Did the judgment impact Aadhaar?
Indirectly, yes. It led to constitutional scrutiny of Aadhaar and laid the foundation for data protection laws.