RASHMI REKHA THATOI vs STATE OF ORISSA .

The Supreme Court emphasized the fundamental importance of liberty as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The Court held that any deprivation of liberty must be in accordance with the procedure established by law, reinforcing the principle that liberty is a cornerstone of a democratic society. The judgment underscored that without liberty, the essence of existence is compromised, and thus, any infringement must be justified and lawful.