Reviewed case brief

Francis Coralie Mullin v Administrator, Union Territory of Delhi

AIR 1981 SC 746

AIR 1981 SC 746 · Supreme Court of India

article-21right-to-lifehuman-dignitydetenu-rightsexpansive-interpretation
Court
Supreme Court of India
Year
1981
Subjects
Constitutional Law I
Reviewed
2026-08-02

Rule established

The right to life under Article 21 is not confined to mere animal existence; it includes the right to live with human dignity and all that goes along with it, and extends even to detenus under preventive detention laws.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        AIR 1981 SC 746; landmark decision expanding Article 21's meaning to include dignity

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.