Q. Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s right to marry the person of one’s choice?

  • Article 19
  • Article 21
  • Article 25
  • Article 29

Answer: (b) Article 21

Notes:
  • Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to marry the person of one’s choice. The right to life is guaranteed by the Constitution.
    • This privilege can only be taken away by a law that is substantively, procedurally, and substantively fair, just, and reasonable.
    • Article 21 states that “No person shall be deprived of his life and personal liberty except according to procedure established by law”.
  • In the Lata singh vs. state of Uttar Pradesh case ,the Supreme Court viewed the right to marry as a component of right to life under Article 21 of Indian Constitution.
  • Article 19 embodies the “basic freedoms” such as protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc
  • Article 25 says “all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion subject to public order, morality and health.
  • Article 29 of Indian Constitution grants protection to both religious minorities as well as linguistic minorities.