Which Article of the Indian Constitution guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty, which is frequently cited in landmark judgments concerning environmental protection in Uttarakhand?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution provides that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. The Supreme Court and High Courts have interpreted the right to life to include the right to a clean and healthy environment, particularly relevant to ecological preservation in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Other provisions deal with freedoms or remedies rather than the substantive right to life. Article 21 forms the bedrock of public interest litigation aimed at protecting fragile mountain ecosystems from unregulated developmental activities.