Every year, November 26 is celebrated as Constitution Day to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The constitution was formally adopted on this day in 1949 but came into effect on January 26, 1950. This constitution played a significant role in transitioning India to a democratic one.
Today marking the 75th anniversary of the Constitution we will examine an interesting right that comes under Article 21 which is the Right to Sleep.
The Right to Sleep is a lesser-known but important aspect of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. While the right to sleep is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the Supreme Court of India has interpreted it as an essential part of a dignified life, falling under the broader concept of the right to personal liberty and well-being.
The right to sleep ensures that individuals have the freedom to rest and sleep peacefully without unnecessary disturbances, and it can be linked to the following principles:
- People should not be subjected to unreasonable noise or disruption, such as loud music or other disturbances during the night.
- Quality sleep is vital for physical and mental health, and it is essential to a person’s well-being. Denying individuals the right to adequate sleep could harm their health, which would violate their right to life and dignity.
- The right to sleep is tied to the need for a safe, secure environment where people can rest without fear for their safety or security. For example, safe housing or places to sleep in shelters, free from violence or threats, is a critical component.
Thus, the right not formally declared as an individual right, the right to sleep is closely associated with other rights like the right to health, a dignified life, and freedom from inhuman or degrading conditions.
