Concept:
The interpretation of Article 21 ("Right to Life and Personal Liberty") underwent a revolutionary change through judicial activism in the late 1970s.
Step 1: Understanding the 'Maneka Gandhi' doctrine.
Prior to this case, courts took a literal interpretation of "procedure established by law." In *Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India* (1978), the Supreme Court ruled that any procedure enacted by the State must pass the test of being fair, just, and reasonable.
Step 2: Significance.
This ruling linked Article 21 with Articles 14 and 19, creating a "golden triangle" of rights that restricts arbitrary state action.
equation
Landmark Case for Fair Procedure = Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
equation
center
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
center