The assertion that the right to privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life is a fundamental principle recognized by many democratic legal systems, including India. In India, this was definitively established by the Supreme Court in the landmark 2017 Puttaswamy judgment, which declared privacy a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, encompassing 'Right to Life and Personal Liberty.'

The right to life (Article 21) is not merely about physical existence but includes the right to live with dignity, freedom, and personal autonomy. Privacy is essential for the full realization of this dignified existence. It allows individuals to control their personal information, make autonomous choices about their bodies and minds, and protect their personal space from unwarranted intrusion by the state or private entities. Without privacy, an individual's ability to express themselves freely, form relationships, pursue personal interests, and maintain their identity is severely curtailed.

Privacy safeguards an individual's physical and mental integrity, protecting them from surveillance, data breaches, and the misuse of personal information. It ensures that individuals can develop their personality and make decisions without fear of judgment or coercion. For instance, privacy is crucial for protecting sensitive information like health records, financial details, and personal communications. It underpins other fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and expression, as individuals might self-censor if they believe their communications are being monitored. Therefore, privacy is not an isolated right but a foundational element that enables the meaningful exercise of other fundamental rights, making it an indispensable component of the right to life and personal liberty.