Indian Economy·Key Judgments

Social Security Schemes — Key Judgments

Updated 9 Mar 2026

Key Judgments

Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation

1985

This landmark judgment by the Supreme Court significantly expanded the interpretation of 'right to life' under Article 21 of the Constitution to include the 'right to livelihood'.…

Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity v. State of West Bengal

1996

The Supreme Court held that in a welfare state, the primary duty of the government is to secure the welfare of the people. Providing adequate medical facilities for the people is…

Vishaka and others v. State of Rajasthan

1997

While primarily focused on sexual harassment at the workplace, this judgment is significant for social security as it laid down guidelines (Vishaka Guidelines) that mandated…