Topic
The right to privacy in Indian law protects personal autonomy, including bodily integrity, sexual orientation, and control over personal data, as recognized under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The Delhi High Court directed masking of identity markers in quashed criminal orders to shield the petitioner’s family from harassment, upholding a right to be forgotten under Article 21. This lets those with quashed criminal cases seek removal of personal details from public court records to prevent ongoing stigma.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that major individuals in consensual live-in relationships are entitled to police protection against threats from family members, affirming their right to personal autonomy under Article 21 and extending the scope of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act beyond marital ties. This sets a critical precedent for safeguarding adult couples from coercive family interference, regardless of marital status.
Karnataka High Court affirms that acquitted individuals can demand redaction of their names from judgments and online legal databases under the Right to Be Forgotten, reinforcing privacy rights under Article 21. The ruling mandates judicial and state authorities to comply with redaction requests, setting a precedent for post-acquittal privacy protections.
Allahabad High Court reinforces that live-in relationships between consenting adults fall under the right to privacy, quashing an FIR under Section 87 BNS. The ruling aligns with Supreme Court precedent, protecting couples from familial or societal interference without legal basis.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that under Order XI Rule 12 CPC, courts cannot compel disclosure of private financial documents-such as bank statements, pensions, or insurance payouts-when they bear no direct connection to the monetary dispute at hand. This reinforces the boundary between procedural discovery and the right to financial privacy, protecting defendants from fishing expeditions disguised as discovery requests.
Madhya Pradesh High Court holds that major live-in partners are entitled to police protection under Article 21, affirming their right to choose companionship without coercion.
Kerala High Court holds that pending criminal proceedings do not automatically disqualify an applicant from receiving a standard Police Clearance Certificate.