Punjab & Haryana High Court, Chandigarh
CitationAIR 1996 SC 1051, (1996) 2 SCC 549
CourtSupreme Court of India
Date15 December 1995
Year1996
BenchK. Ramaswamy, Faizan Uddin, B.N. Kirpal JJ.
Acts/ArticlesArticle 19, Article 21, Land Acquisition Act 1894
CategoryConstitutional Law

Key Principle Established

Right to shelter is a fundamental right under Article 21. Right to livelihood includes the right to adequate housing as part of the right to live with dignity.

Brief Facts

Land belonging to the appellants was acquired under the Land Acquisition Act for providing housing. The appellants challenged the acquisition.

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court upheld the acquisition and declared that the right to shelter is a fundamental right under Article 21. The Court held that right to life includes right to livelihood, and right to livelihood includes right to adequate shelter — a place to live with dignity.

Impact & Significance

This judgment established right to housing as a fundamental right and justified land acquisition for housing schemes. It has been widely cited in cases involving slum demolition, housing rights of urban poor, and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Tags & Related Topics

Constitutional Law Article 19 Article 21 Land Acquisition Act 1894
← Previous Judgment Secretary, MIB v. Cricket Association of Bengal
Next Judgment → State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan

Related Judgments

1993

Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa

AIR 1993 SC 1960

State is liable to pay compensation for custodial death as a public law remedy under Article 32/226, independent of any…

Read Analysis
1986

Sheela Barse v. Union of India

(1986) 3 SCC 632

Children cannot be kept in jails. Directions issued for establishment of juvenile courts, children's homes, and appointment of duty counsel…

Read Analysis
1985

Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation

AIR 1986 SC 180, (1985) 3 SCC 545

Right to livelihood is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21. Pavement dwellers cannot be evicted…

Read Analysis

Disclaimer

This judgment summary is for educational and research purposes. While care has been taken to accurately represent the ratio and findings, for authoritative reference always consult the original judgment text from official sources (SCC Online, AIR, Manupatra, or court websites).

Need Case Law Research or Legal Representation?

22+ years of practice before Punjab & Haryana High Court and Supreme Court of India.

Call: +919915442266 WhatsApp

Need Legal Assistance?

Contact Advocate Ravinder Singh Dhull for expert legal guidance on your matter.