The Evolution of Right to Privacy: From K.S. Puttaswamy to Aadhaar

The right to privacy is not directly mentioned in the Indian Constitution, but it has become a fundamental right through judicial interpretation. The landmark ruling in K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) marked a significant shift in Indian constitutional law by confirming privacy as a vital part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21. This acknowledgment changed the relationship between the state and the individual. It highlighted the need to balance personal freedom with legitimate government interests. The debates and legal reviews that followed regarding the Aadhaar scheme further tested this newly recognized right. While Aadhaar intended to improve transparency, reduce fraud in welfare distribution, and encourage digital governance, it also raised issues about data protection, surveillance, and personal control over information. This paper examines the development of the right to privacy in India, looks at its philosophical and constitutional bases, and reviews its interpretation from Puttaswamy to the Aadhaar ruling. The study also investigates the implications of these decisions for future data protection laws and digital governance systems. It points out the ongoing struggle between personal privacy and government interests in an increasingly data-focused society.