Notopedia is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide free learning support to all. Click here to donate or volunteer  

Notopedia has a mission to provide free learning support. Click here to donate or volunteer.

Supreme Court Declares Digital Access a Fundamental Right Under Article 21

Supreme Court Declares Digital Access A Fundamental Right Under Article 21

fsjd_icon1 CURRENT AFFAIRS

save
banner
Supreme Court Declares Digital Access A Fundamental Right Under Article 21
fsjd_icon1 CURRENT AFFAIRS

Description

In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India has affirmed that digital access falls under the ambit of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The ruling places a constitutional obligation on the state to ensure that the digital infrastructure is inclusive and accessible to all.

Context Of Ruling

The judgement originated from petitions filed by individuals with visual impairments and acid attack survivors who encountered difficulties with digital Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. These challenges prevented them from availing essential government schemes and services, prompting the court to recognise digital access as fundamental to ensuring dignity and equal participation in society.

Building Inclusive Digital Platforms

The apex court highlighted that access to vital services such as education, healthcare, and public welfare has increasingly shifted to digital platforms. To uphold constitutional rights, it stated that the government must create a digital environment that accommodates:

  • Persons with disabilities (PwDs)

  • Marginalised and disadvantaged communities

  • Historically excluded and vulnerable groups

This ruling reaffirms the need for universal access to digital services.

Reforming KYC For Accessibility

One of the key directions from the court was the modification of existing KYC protocols. It called for alternative, accessible identification processes for individuals unable to engage in visual verification tasks. This includes embracing video KYC and other non-discriminatory authentication methods.

Constitutional Backing For Verdict

The judgement draws strength from multiple constitutional provisions:

  • Article 21 – Guarantees life with dignity

  • Article 14 – Ensures equality before the law

  • Article 15 – Prohibits discrimination

  • Article 38 – Calls for the state to minimise inequalities among citizens

These articles form the basis for the court’s directive to make digital access universal and non-discriminatory.

Directives And Future Impact

The court issued 20 specific directions to enhance digital accessibility and reform digital identity verification systems. It also urged regulatory bodies to comply with established accessibility standards to ensure all digital platforms serve the needs of every citizen.

Looking Ahead

This landmark ruling could pave the way for wide-ranging reforms in India’s digital policies. It emphasizes the importance of integrating accessibility into digital transformation efforts and ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the country’s journey toward a tech-driven future.


Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.


For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board

For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section

For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section

For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Competitive Exams - Visit Notopedia's College Entrance Exams Section

The Notopedia Bulletin Board

News about the latest admissions, results, upcoming government jobs, Sarkari exams and many more.

bulletin images
RESULTS

Latest and upcoming results

Explore
bulletin images
ADMISSIONS

Get important alerts

Explore
bulletin images
JOBS

Latest job postings

Explore
bulletin images
SCHOOL

ICSE, CBSE and State Boards

Explore
bulletin images
COLLEGE

Get latest college updates

Explore
bulletin images
EXAM

Latest exam news

Explore
bulletin images
CURRENT AFFAIRS

Latest Current Affairs

Explore


Request For Material

Close Submit
Submit Material

Close Submit