GK Question

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Preamble values recognize human dignity as foundational to Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty), requiring state action to respect individual autonomy, privacy, and worth — a principle affirmed in cases like ______ (2017) recognizing privacy as intrinsic to dignity and liberty.

  1. Kesavananda Bharati
  2. Puttaswamy
  3. Minerva Mills
  4. SR Bommai

Answer: Puttaswamy

Dignity foundation in Preamble values: (a) Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017): 9-judge bench unanimously held right to privacy is intrinsic to life and liberty under Article 21; also part of freedoms under Article 19 and equality under Article 14, (b) Dignity dimensions: (i) Spatial (control over physical space), (ii) Decisional (autonomy over personal choices), (iii) Informational (control over personal data), (c) Preamble values application: (i) Privacy not absolute; subject to proportionality test balancing individual rights vs state interests (security, welfare efficiency), (ii) Foundation for subsequent judgments: Aadhaar authentication limits, decriminalization of homosexuality (Navtej Singh Johar), reproductive rights, digital privacy (Anuradha Bhasin), (d) Broader principle: Preamble values require state action to respect individual dignity — not just avoid physical harm but protect autonomy, privacy, self-determination, (e) Balance: Individual dignity vs collective welfare; proportionality test ensures restrictions justified, not arbitrary, (f) Illustrates dignity-centric constitutionalism: Human worth as foundational value guiding interpretation and application of rights. Essential for UPSC Mains understanding of dignity as constitutional value.

Topic Preamble - Article 21 Dignity and Preamble Foundation
Exam Relevance Dignity foundation and Preamble values frequently asked in UPSC and Judiciary exams