Indian Supreme Court Enshrines Right to Privacy So Government Can’t Misuse Collected Data

The Supreme Court of India has just ruled that privacy is a fundamental right that is protected by the Constitution.

The unanimous verdict comes in the wake of criticism over the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act of 2016. Petitioners have reportedly spoken out against the act in light of how government agencies may misuse a citizen’s personal information.

Over the course of six days, petitioners pursued marathon arguments in favor and against the right to privacy, according to the Economic Times.

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The Supreme Court ruling, however, says that the right to privacy is an extension of Article 21 stating that all Indian citizens have the right to life.

The subject of privacy had been twice been rejected by the Supreme Court in the past. Now, due to its correlation with the recently-passed Aahar Act, judges say that the act’s enforcement will have to be tested on a case by case basis in order to ensure constitutional efficiency.

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