Digital access a part of fundamental right to life and liberty: SC, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Supreme Court ruled that digital access is an essential part of the fundamental right to life and liberty under Article 21.

  • The state must ensure inclusive digital welfare systems, accessible to all including the disabled, underprivileged, and historically excluded.

  Detailed Insights:

• The ruling came in response to a petition on the inaccessibility of digital KYC processes for people with disabilities.

  • Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan emphasized the state’s duty to proactively design inclusive ecosystems, not just cater to the privileged.

  • Justice Mahadevan stated that digital inclusion is a constitutional obligation, especially in an era of expanding e-governance.

  Significance:

• Reinforces that technological advancement must align with constitutional values of equality and dignity.

  • Mandates universal accessibility in digital public infrastructure, especially in welfare schemes and public services.

  • Sets a precedent for inclusive policymaking in digital India initiatives, strengthening rights-based governance.

Mains Mock Question:

"Digital exclusion undermines constitutional guarantees of equality and dignity. Discuss the implications of the Supreme Court’s recognition of digital access as part of the fundamental right to life."