Authorities Need To Be Told That Right To Property Has Close Nexus With Right To Life Under Article 21: Madras High Court

In a significant observation, the Madras High Court said that State Authorities need to be told that the Right to Property has close nexus with Right of Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. This observation by Justice N. Seshasayee came in a plea wherein it was alleged that the State failed to take any action regarding the lands of the Petitioners despite Court’s direction that the State should “go for fresh acquisition following the due process of law”. Coming down heavily upon the authorities, the Court said, “By their inaction, they have denied the right of these citizens at least for 10 years, and to that extent, they have transgressed the quality of life of the citizens of this Country within the meaning of Article 21 of the Constitution of India”