The Supreme Court of India has ruled that digital access is a fundamental right protected under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
This judgment, passed by a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, directs the government to revise e-KYC norms, enabling individuals with facial disfiguration or visual impairments to access vital services such as banking and e-governance. The court highlighted the growing necessity of digital platforms for accessing education, healthcare, governance, and economic opportunities.
The bench further stressed the importance of bridging the digital divide, which excludes marginalised groups such as rural populations, economically weaker communities, senior citizens, and linguistic minorities from equal participation in the digital economy. Recognising the role of technology in modern life, the judgment calls for a concerted effort by the state to build an inclusive digital ecosystem accessible to all.
With this ruling, the Supreme Court reinforces the principle that equal digital access is essential to uphold the right to life and ensure that every citizen can benefit from governmental welfare schemes through online platforms. This landmark judgment is expected to pave the way for transformative policy changes and promote digital equity across the nation.
