Right to Privacy as a Fundamental Right

Abstract

Right to privacy is the most discussed topic in recent years. A definite legal definition on privacy is quite not possible but there are several judgements of Supreme Court of India regarding this topic. Some countries adapted right to privacy as their fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution. In India and America, there is no such provision of right to privacy. Article 21of Indian constitution states “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to a procedure established by law” It is interpreted liberally because right to life means not only a mere existence like animals but also live a life with some privacy and dignity so that human can progress towards new era. Alan Westin, Professor of Law in Colombia University in his book ‘Privacy and Freedom ‘said “Each individual is continually engaged in a personal adjustment process in which he balances the desire for privacy with the desire for disclosure and communication of himself to others, in light of the environmental conditions and social norms set by the society in which he lives”