Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
Decisional Autonomy
Constitutional & Public Law Doctrines
Definition
A facet of personal liberty under Article 21 affirming an individual's constitutional right to make vital personal choices—such as marriage, sexual orientation, food preferences, and medical decisions—free from societal or State interference.
Example
In Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. (Hadiya Case), the Supreme Court held that the choice of an adult to marry a person of their own choice and adopt a religion is an intrinsic part of decisional autonomy under Article 21.