Sambhav-2025

Approach Briefly introduce the Supreme Court’s role in interpreting Fundamental Rights under the Indian Constitution. Explain how the Supreme Court has broadened the scope of fundamental rights through progressive interpretations. Discuss its impact on socio-economic justice in India with suitable examples. To conclude, suggest the need to ensure the effective realization of rights

Introduction

The Supreme Court of India, as the guardian of the Constitution, plays a crucial role in interpreting fundamental rights under Part III. Over time, its progressive interpretations have expanded the scope of rights beyond mere civil and political liberties to encompass socio-economic justice.

Body

Key Milestones in Expanding Fundamental Rights

• Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) – The Court ruled that the right to life under Article 21 includes personal liberty and cannot be curtailed arbitarily.
• Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) – Established the Basic Structure Doctrine, ensuring fundamental rights remain inviolable.
• Public Interest Litigation (PIL) – Expanded access to justice by allowing non-victims to approach the Court for enforcing rights of marginalized communities.

Impact on Socio-Economic Justice

• Right to Livelihood
  • Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985) – Recognized the right to livelihood as an extension of the right to life (Article 21). The Court held that slum dwellers could not be evicted without rehabilitation.
• Right to Education
  • Unni Krishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1993) – Held that the right to education is implicit under Article 21. This led to the insertion of Article 21A through the 86^th Constitutional Amendment (2002), making education a fundamental right.
• Right to Health
  • Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity v. State of West Bengal (1996) – The Court emphasized the state’s responsibility to provide adequate healthcare facilities, strengthening Article 21 protections.
  • State of Punjab v. Mohinder Singh Chawla (1997) – Declared that the right to health is fundamental and directed the state to ensure proper medical infrastructure.
• Right to Food
  • PUCL v. Union of India (2001) – Mandated the government to implement food security programs, leading to the expansion of the Midday Meal Scheme and later, the enactment of the National Food Security Act (2013).
• Environmental Justice
  • M.C. Mehta Cases – Recognized the right to a clean environment as part of Article 21, leading to stricter environmental regulations.

Challenges and Criticism

• Judicial Overreach – The Court has often been criticized for encroaching upon legislative and executive domains, leading to conflicts in governance.
• Implementation Gaps – Many landmark judgments suffer from poor execution due to bureaucratic inefficiency and lack of political will.
• Backlog of Cases – Delayed justice weakens the timely realization of socio-economic rights.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s dynamic interpretation of fundamental rights has been instrumental in advancing socio-economic justice in India. However, ensuring effective implementation of judicial directives and strengthening executive-judicial cooperation remains crucial for sustained progress. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar aptly said, “Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy, which means a way of life that recognizes liberty, equality, and fraternity as principles of life.”