Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part G (2025)

Through judicial activism, the Indian judiciary has significantly increased the scope of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which protects the fundamental right to life and personal liberty. This article was first read narrowly to guard against the state's capricious deprivation of life and liberty. But several Supreme Court decisions, especially since the 1970s, have changed its reach and made it an effective instrument for defending a variety of socioeconomic rights. In Indian constitutional jurisprudence, one of the most vibrant and well-known clauses is Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which states that "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law." It was first intended to be a limited safeguard against executive abuse, but judicial interpretation mostly by the Supreme Court of India has greatly broadened its scope. This extension, which was made possible by judicial activism, has improved India's understanding of human dignity and wellbeing by making Article 21 the cornerstone of several unlisted fundamental rights. One of the most valuable and essential rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution is Article 21. This article covers a number of other essential rights, even though it is not an all-inclusive one. This topic is crucial given the advancements in all areas of human rights. This essay focuses on Article 21's broadening scope. and the function of the judiciary as well as its necessity. Originally interpreted narrowly, Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, has been greatly expanded by judicial activism to include a wide range of rights necessary for human dignity, such as the rights to livelihood, health, education, privacy, and a clean environment. Article 21 has become a "umbrella provision" due to judicial activism, which has interpreted "life" and "personal liberty" broadly, established precedents through significant rulings, and made sure the State treats individual liberties equitably and sensibly.