Judicial Activism and the Expansion of the Right to Health under the Indian Constitution

The right to health is not expressly articulated as a fundamental right in the Constitution of India. However, through judicial activism—especially expansive interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty)—Indian courts have consistently recognized health as an intrinsic component of human dignity and constitutionally protected life. This research paper analyzes the role of the Indian judiciary in expanding the right to health, explores the constitutional foundations, key case law, the nature of judicial activism involved, and critiques challenges and implications of this jurisprudential evolution.