M.K. Balakrishnan & Ors vs Union Of India & Ors

The Supreme Court emphasized that the right to access water is integral to the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court highlighted the severe water shortages across India, despite the country's abundant water resources, and criticized the complacency of authorities in addressing this crisis. It called for the mobilization of scientific expertise to tackle the water problem, referencing the case of Delhi Water Supply & Sewage Disposal Undertaking vs. State of Haryana, which established that water is a natural gift and essential for survival.