On August 24, 2017, a nine-judge Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the Right to Privacy is a Fundamental Right under the Indian Constitution. The judgment overturned earlier rulings and is expected to have major implications for government policies such as Aadhaar linkage, which critics argue compromises citizens’ privacy.

BulletsIn

Supreme Court ruled Right to Privacy a Fundamental Right on 24 August 2017.

9-judge Constitutional Bench delivered unanimous 9–0 verdict.

Earlier MP Sharma (1954) and Kharak Singh (1962) rulings overruled.

Decision came after petitions challenging Aadhaar’s impact on privacy.

Petitioners included Justice K.S. Puttaswamy, Aruna Roy, Bezwada Wilson, Nikhil Dey.

Court clarified Aadhaar’s legality will be tested separately by a 5-judge bench.

Any law limiting privacy must now pass Article 21’s “right to life” test.

Centre argued Aadhaar ensures welfare delivery for poor over privacy concerns.

Attorney General said privacy was a luxury in a developing country like India.

Government stated Aadhaar project, covering nearly 100 crore people, irreversible.