Background:
The case centered on the practices employed by the Uttar Pradesh police to surveil individuals deemed suspicious, particularly Kharak Singh. He challenged the constitutionality of certain police regulations that allowed for extensive surveillance without clear legal justification. Kharak Singh argued that these practices infringed upon his rights to privacy and personal liberty as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Issues
Observation
The Court emphasized that any infringement on the Right to Privacy requires compelling justification from the state. It clarified that mere suspicion or subjective satisfaction of police authorities is insufficient grounds for encroaching upon an individual's privacy. The judges noted that while tracking individuals, particularly habitual criminals, is important for public safety, this must be balanced with constitutional protections. The Court recognized the need for procedural safeguards and objective standards governing any limitation of privacy rights.
Decision