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Right to be Forgotten

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

It represents a critical intersection of fundamental rights (privacy vs. freedom of speech/open justice), the impact of digital technology on legal principles, and the evolving role of the judiciary in interpreting constitutional provisions in the digital age.

The Right to be Forgotten is a facet of the Right to Informational Privacy, allowing individuals to request the removal of personal information from public access, especially online, when it is no longer relevant or necessary. In India, it stems from the Supreme Court's recognition of the Right to Privacy in the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) judgment.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Origin in India

Derived from the Right to Privacy (Article 21) as recognized in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (2017).

Purpose

Aims to allow individuals control over their personal information online, particularly outdated or irrelevant data.

Conflict

Often weighed against the principle of open justice, freedom of expression, and public interest.

Context

Its application is complex, especially concerning digitized public records like court judgments, where information persistence is high.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaFundamental Rights
Conceptual areaJudiciary & Judicial Review

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Supreme Court of IndiaInterprets
Delhi High CourtApplies
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Part of Right to Privacy (Article 21).
  • Allows removal of irrelevant personal data online.
  • Conflict with open justice and freedom of expression.
  • Judicial interpretation is evolving (Puttaswamy, Delhi HC).
  • Digital accuracy proposed as a solution for reconciliation.

High-confidence PYQs

2024Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?

Indian PolityOpen question
2023Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental ...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Supreme Court of India has held in some judgements that the reservation policies made under Article 16(4...

Indian PolityOpen question
2023Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental ...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Supreme Court of India has held in some judgements that the reservation policies made under Article 16(4...

Indian PolityOpen question
2021Conceptual understanding, Factual recall

‘Right to privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India?

Indian PolityOpen question
2020Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months. 2. State cannot enter into any contract with private cor...

Indian PolityOpen question
2019Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s right to marry the person of one’s choice?

Indian PolityOpen question
2018Conceptual understanding, Factual recall

Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and a...

Indian PolityOpen question
2017Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India? 1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced la...

Indian PolityOpen question

Topic timeline

Fundamental RightsJudiciary & Judicial Review
Prelims 2017· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India? 1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced la...

Open question
Prelims 2018· Conceptual understanding, Factual recall

Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and a...

Open question
Prelims 2019· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s right to marry the person of one’s choice?

Open question
Prelims 2020· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months. 2. State cannot enter into any contract with private cor...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Conceptual understanding, Factual recall

‘Right to privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India?

Open question
Prelims 2023· Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental ...

Open question

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Supreme Court of India has held in some judgements that the reservation policies made under Article 16(4...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental ...

Open question

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Supreme Court of India has held in some judgements that the reservation policies made under Article 16(4...

Open question
Prelims 2024· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?

Open question

​Preserving the record: On the right to be forgotten

04 Jun 2026 · A constitutional right allowing individuals to remove outdated personal information online, balancing privacy with public interest and open justice.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Right to be Forgotten

Often confused with

Open Justice

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

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