Conclusion
By the term life as here used something more is meant than mere animal
existence.
The inhibition against its deprivation extends to all those limbs and faculties by which life is
enjoyed. The provision equally prohibits the mutilation of the body by amputation of an arm or
leg or the pulling out of an eye, or the destruction of any other organ of the body through which
the soul communicates with the outer world.
Article 21 can only be claimed when a person is deprived of his life or
personal liberty by the State as defined in Article 12. Violation of the right by
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a private individual is not within the preview of Article 21.
Article 21 secures two rights:
Right to life; and
Right to personal liberty.
The Article prohibits the deprivation of the above rights except according to a procedure
established by law.
The right to life included the right to lead a healthy life so as to enjoy all
faculties of the human body in their prime conditions. It would even include the
right to protection of a persons tradition, culture, heritage and all that gives
meaning to a mans life. It includes the right to live in peace, to sleep in peace and
the right to repose and health.