Right to Health and Education Cases
The right to life cannot be upheld without access to proper health and medical assistance, which is fundamental to living a full life. However, concerns arise when doctors hesitate to provide immediate medical aid due to legal formalities.
Pt. Parmanand Katara v. Union of India (1989)
Facts: A scooterist involved in an accident was denied treatment at a hospital due to pending legal formalities. A writ petition was filed to make it obligatory for doctors to provide immediate medical assistance without delay.
Judgement: Recognizing the paramount importance of preserving human life under Article 21, the court mandated that medical professionals must provide immediate health assistance without legal impediments. Medical professionals shall not be harassed for providing assistance, nor compelled to testify in court unless absolutely necessary.
Right to Sleep
The Right to Sleep is a fundamental aspect of one’s rights, protecting against unlawful deprivation of sleep by the State.
Re-Ramlila Maidan Incident v. Home Secretary and Ors. (2012)
Facts: During a peaceful protest, security forces disrupted the sleep of protestors, leading to chaos and violence.
Judgement: The court affirmed that sleep is essential for individual peace and health. Disturbing one’s sleep without reasonable justification constitutes torture and violates human rights.
Jolly George Varghese and Anr. v. Bank of Cochin (1980)
Facts: Judgement-debtors were arrested without confirming their ability to pay, leading to an appeal.
Judgement: The court emphasized the necessity of establishing bad faith before arresting debtors.
Right to Die
The right to life includes the right to end one’s life, but legal complexities arise.
P. Rathinam v. Union of India (1994) – Right to Die
Facts: A petition challenged Section 309 of the IPC, criminalizing suicide attempts.
Judgement: Considering Article 21 and the principles of natural justice, the court declared Section 309 void.
Smt. Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab (1996)
Facts: Challenges were made to the constitutional validity of Sections 306 and 309 of the IPC.
Judgement: The court upheld the constitutionality of Sections 306 and 309, considering suicide as an unnatural termination of life.
Right to Education Cases
Education is a fundamental right essential for a dignified life.
Miss Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka and Ors. (1992)
Facts: A student was denied admission due to inability to pay a capitation fee.
Judgement: The court declared charging capitation fee illegal and affirmed education as a fundamental right.
Unni Krishnan, J.P. and Ors. Etc. v. State of A.P. and Ors.
Facts: Educational institutions challenged the right to regulate fees.
Judgement: The court affirmed the fundamental right to education, ensuring free education until 14 years of age.
These landmark cases have shaped the legal landscape concerning the right to health, sleep, and education, affirming fundamental rights for all individuals.
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FAQs: Right to Health and Education Cases
FAQ 1: What is the significance of the Pt. Parmanand Katara v. Union of India case about the right to health?
Answer: The case established the obligation of medical professionals to provide immediate medical assistance to all patients, emphasizing the paramount importance of preserving human life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
FAQ 2: How was the Right to Sleep recognized as a fundamental right in the Re-Ramlila Maidan Incident v. Home Secretary and Ors. case?
Answer: The court affirmed that sleep is essential for individual peace and healthy life, declaring that every person is entitled to sleep as comfortably and freely as they breathe, thus protecting against unlawful deprivation of sleep.
FAQ 3: What landmark ruling regarding the Right to Die was made in the case of P. Rathinam v. Union of India?
Answer: The case declared Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code void, asserting that the Right to Life includes the right to not live a forced life, highlighting the importance of personal autonomy and dignity in end-of-life decisions.
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