M.K. BALAKRISHNAN . vs UNION OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

The Supreme Court held that the right to access water is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The Court emphasized the alarming water shortages across the country and the need for scientific solutions to address this crisis. It cited previous judgments, including Delhi Water Supply & Sewage Disposal Undertaking vs. State of Haryana (1996) and Chameli Singh vs. State of U.P. (1996), reinforcing that access to water is a fundamental human right essential for survival and dignity.