STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH & ANR vs UMED RAM SHARMA & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that Articles 19(1)(d), 21, and 38 of the Constitution of India impose a constitutional obligation on the State to ensure access to essential services, such as roads, which are vital for the quality of life. The Court upheld the High Court's directive for the construction of the Ghanna-Hatti-Bhukho road, emphasizing that the right to life encompasses not just physical existence but also the quality of life, which includes access to communication. The Court affirmed the High Court's authority to issue directions in cases of executive inaction, thereby reinforcing the judiciary's role in safeguarding citizens' rights.