Constitutional state · 2026
Constitution of India
Part III — Fundamental Rights
Article21
Protection of Life and Personal Liberty
No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.
Judicial interpretation
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978). The Supreme Court held that procedure under Article 21 must be fair, just, and reasonable — not merely any procedure enacted by Parliament.
In plain language
The government cannot take away your life or freedom without following proper legal procedures. This is one of the most important rights.
Visible by 202686th Amendment impact
Made primary education a fundamental right for children aged 6-14.
UPSC relevance
High
Most cited right
Past papers
4
Prelims & Mains
Linked topics
7
Articles + cases