What is Right to Adequate Housing (Article 21)?
Historical Background
Key Points
13 points- 1.
The Right to Adequate Housing is derived from Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The Supreme Court has interpreted this to include the right to live with dignity, encompassing basic necessities like housing.
- 2.
Adequate housing includes several components: legal security of tenure (protection from forced eviction), availability of essential services (water, sanitation, electricity), affordability, habitability (safe and healthy conditions), accessibility (for vulnerable groups), and cultural adequacy (respecting cultural identity).
- 3.
The government has a positive obligation to take reasonable measures to progressively realize the right to adequate housing. This includes enacting legislation, implementing policies, and allocating resources to address housing shortages and improve living conditions.
- 4.
The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY) is a major government initiative aimed at providing affordable housing to all by 2022 (now extended). It has two components: PMAY-Urban for urban areas and PMAY-Gramin for rural areas.
Visual Insights
Right to Adequate Housing: Key Components
Mind map illustrating the key components of the Right to Adequate Housing as interpreted by the Supreme Court.
Right to Adequate Housing
- ●Article 21
- ●Components
- ●Government Obligations
- ●Challenges
Recent Real-World Examples
1 examplesIllustrated in 1 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
Source Topic
Delhi Government to Redevelop Slum Clusters for Improved Living Conditions
Social IssuesUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What is the Right to Adequate Housing and what is its constitutional basis?
The Right to Adequate Housing, while not explicitly mentioned in the Indian Constitution, is interpreted by the Supreme Court as a part of the Right to Life under Article 21. This means everyone has the right to live with dignity, which includes having access to adequate housing. Adequate housing includes security of tenure, access to essential services, affordability, habitability, accessibility, and cultural adequacy.
Exam Tip
Remember that the Right to Adequate Housing is derived from the interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life) by the Supreme Court, not explicitly stated in the Constitution.
2. What are the key provisions included within the Right to Adequate Housing?
The Right to Adequate Housing encompasses several key provisions to ensure a dignified life. These include:
- •Legal security of tenure (protection from forced eviction)
