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In Chameli Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh (1996), the Supreme Court recognized right to shelter as part of right to life under Article 21, holding that shelter includes not just roof over head but adequate living space, safe structure, clean surroundings, and access to ______.
- luxury amenities
- basic amenities
- private security
- international standards
Answer: basic amenities
Chameli Singh (1996) right to shelter: (a) Context: Challenge to land acquisition for housing scheme; issue of right to shelter under Article 21, (b) Supreme Court holding: (i) Right to shelter is part of right to life under Article 21; shelter includes not just roof over head but adequate living space, safe structure, clean surroundings, access to basic amenities (water, sanitation, electricity, drainage), (ii) State has positive obligation to ensure access to shelter, especially for marginalized, urban poor, (iii) Balanced with public purpose: Land acquisition for housing schemes valid if for public purpose, with fair compensation, rehabilitation, (c) Applications: (i) Housing schemes: PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) operationalizes right to shelter through affordable housing for urban/rural poor, (ii) Slum rehabilitation: Policies balancing urban development with housing rights, ensuring in-situ upgradation, rehabilitation for displaced, (iii) Judicial enforcement: Courts award compensation for illegal eviction, direct rehabilitation for homeless, (d) Subsequent developments: (i) NFSA, MGNREGA: Complementary schemes address food, livelihood security alongside shelter, (ii) Urban planning: Municipalities incorporate right to shelter in development plans, slum rehabilitation policies, (e) Rationale: (i) Dignity: Adequate shelter essential for human dignity, health, family life, (ii) Equality: Access to shelter must not depend on economic status; State must ensure equitable access, (iii) Development: Adequate housing essential for health, education, economic productivity, social stability, (f) Illustrates transformative constitutionalism: Article 21 interpreted to impose positive obligations on State for shelter; judicial enforcement enables realization of socio-economic rights through State action, housing policies, urban planning.