18/05/2025
"MANEKA GANDHI V. UNION OF INDIA (1978):"
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India case is a landmark judgment in Indian constitutional history that greatly expanded the interpretation of Article 21 β the right to life and personal liberty.
In 1977, journalist Maneka Gandhiβs passport was impounded by the government without explanation, under Section 10(3)(c) of the Passport Act, 1967. She challenged this action in the Supreme Court, claiming it violated her fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21.
The Supreme Court ruled in her favor, holding that:
Article 21 includes the right to travel abroad.
Any procedure under Article 21 must be just, fair, and reasonable, not arbitrary.
Articles 14, 19, and 21 are interconnected and must be read together.
Denial of natural justice is unconstitutional.
This case overruled the earlier restrictive view from A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras laid the foundation for the modern interpretation of personal liberty in India.