Olga Tellis v Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)

Human Rights Law · Impact of UDHR on the Indian Constitution

Facts.

Pavement and slum dwellers in Bombay faced eviction; they argued that losing their dwellings would destroy their livelihoods, violating Article 21.

Issue.

Is the right to livelihood a part of the right to life under Article 21?

Held.

Yes. The right to life includes the right to livelihood, since no person can live without the means of living; eviction must follow a fair and reasonable procedure.

Why it matters.

Read socio-economic content into Article 21 — the authority for the “poor people with no infrastructure” fact-pattern.

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