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Happiness is essential to human life, pushing people, society, and governments to recognise the rights associated with well-being. It is more than just a personal emotion; it is influenced by psychological, societal, and economic factors. This has sparked global debate about recognising happiness as a legal right. Several countries have passed laws to protect this right, including India, which supports it through constitutional provisions and judicial interpretations.
The aim of this article is to analyse the concept of happiness as a fundamental right and how legal systems, particularly in India, contribute to its protection.
The United Nations designated International Day of Happiness to emphasise happiness as a fundamental human right that should not be jeopardised by social, economic, or political circumstances. Traditional measurements such as GDP focus solely on economic growth, leaving out mental health, social contentment, and quality of life, making it critical to incorporate well-being alongside development.
Bhutan’s pioneering Gross National Happiness (GNH) model, which emphasises sustainable development, cultural preservation, environmental protection, and good governance, sparked this global movement. Recognising the importance of happiness in development, the United Nations issued a resolution in 2012 asking states to prioritise citizen well-being, which resulted in the official commemoration of Happiness Day in 2013. The Sustainable Development Goals also link happiness to health, mental wellbeing, social justice, poverty eradication, and equality, recognising its importance for overall societal growth.
Happiness is more than just a mental experience; it is an essential part of everyone’s lives. The right to happiness is also included in the Indian Constitution, albeit indirectly. Several constitutional clauses emphasise the right to happiness, ensuring that human existence is dignified, secure, and meaningful. These are particularly concerned with Article 21, the concept of a welfare state, and the right to education.
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees all citizens the “right to life and personal liberty.” The Supreme Court has broadened this right throughout time to include the right to dignity, the right to physical and mental well, and the right to a clean environment. The right to live happily is also included in the interpretation of Article 21, because the concept of happiness cannot be complete without bodily and mental well-being.
The Indian Constitution embodies the idea of a welfare state. Its aim is for the government to develop policies that promote citizens’ overall well-being and ensure that everyone has equal chances.
Article 38 – The government should take action to provide a happy and secure life by addressing social injustice and economic inequality.
Article 39 – To lay the groundwork for a good existence by eliminating poverty, creating job opportunities, improving health, and promoting education.
Article 47 – The government should develop appropriate measures to improve nutrition and health, ensuring that each citizen’s life remains healthy and enjoyable.
Article 21A guarantees children aged 6 to 14 the right to a free and obligatory education. Education is crucial not just for economic stability, but also for personal development and mental well-being. Many children remain impoverished as a result of a lack of education, preventing them from leading a fulfilling life. As a result, education is regarded as a key component of happiness.
The right to happiness is not explicitly stated in the Indian Constitution, but it is implicitly incorporated through Article 21 (the right to life), social fairness, and the concept of a welfare state. The judiciary is a vital pillar of democracy, with its primary duty being to preserve citizens’ fundamental rights and ensure justice. Happiness is more than just a personal emotional condition; it is valued in many aspects of life. The judiciary has highlighted the importance of the right to happiness through a series of decisions.
To make happiness available to everyone, the government must enact effective policies. Happiness is built on social justice and poverty elimination, and it is difficult to live a happy life unless basic requirements are met. As a result, the government should enhance programs that address economic and social inequities. Mental health, counselling services, and initiatives to promote a stress-free society are all required.
Furthermore, boosting work prospects is critical for ensuring economic stability, as unemployment causes dissatisfaction. Environmental protection, cultural preservation, and social stability are all important aspects of happiness. The government should develop inclusive and long-term policies that prioritise not only economic progress but also citizens’ happiness, ensuring equality, safety, and harmony in society.
The International Day of Happiness emphasises happiness as an essential component of dignity and social fairness, as recognised indirectly by the Indian Constitution and international ideals. It confirms that a fulfilling existence is dependent not just on personal emotions, but also on overall well-being.
The government, judiciary, and society must collaborate to promote mental and emotional well-being alongside economic success. According to author Adv. Abdul Mulla, who writes on legal perspectives for platforms such as www.asmlegalservices.in and www.lifeandlaw.in, true happiness can only be realised in a society that values equality, fairness, and stability.
Adv. Abdul Mulla (Mob. No. 937 007 2022) is a seasoned legal professional with over 18 years of experience in advocacy, specializing in diverse areas of law, including Real Estate and Property Law, Matrimonial and Divorce Matters, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Will and Succession Planning. read more….
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