The Right to Dignity & Article 21: When Children and Families Are Denied Basic Essentials at Home
- Sunil Khattri
- Nov 3
- 3 min read
Marriages may break. Relationships may end. Court battles may follow. But one thing should never be lost in the process.. Basic Humanity.
Recently, a concerning situation came to light where a wife and two minor children were allegedly living in a shared home without access to water and electricity, reportedly shut off by the husband during a marital dispute.
No matter how strained a relationship becomes, deliberately denying essential resources like water and power is not a dispute, it is deprivation and cruelty.
Why This Raises Serious Concerns Beyond Marriage Disputes
This is not only a personal or family issue, it touches upon fundamental rights and societal values.
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution protects the Right to Life with dignity, not just survival.
Children's rights include safety, health, and humane living conditions (Article 39 & JJ Act).
Domestic Violence Act, 2005 recognizes economic abuse, harassment, mental torture and attempts to force someone out of a shared household.
Cutting off water and electricity supply is not just an inconvenience; it is a form of coercive control, a way to break someone’s dignity and morale.
No woman and no child should be forced to struggle for light, water, or dignity in their own house. Article 21 of the Constitution protects the right to live with dignity, not in darkness, fear, and dependence.
Children Suffer the Most
In any separation, children are innocent. They are already emotionally fragile. To subject them to heat, discomfort and humiliation every day is unfair and harmful.
A father’s duty is to protect his children, not make them suffer to hurt their mother. This behaviour tears at the very fabric of family values, humanity, and parental love.
Such intentional deprivation is not only illegal, it is inhumane, vindictive, and deeply painful for those children who simply want a safe and normal life. Children must never be used as leverage. Their basic needs and mental wellbeing must remain sacred.
Society Cannot Normalize This Behavior
Why this matters for all of us:
It shapes how children perceive relationships
It normalizes emotional and economic violence
It chips away at dignity and humanity
It promotes intimidation over dialogue
A home should be a child’s safest space, not a battlefield.
What all is wrong here - Morally & Socially
Deliberate infliction of hardship on wife and children.
Misuse of power & economic control to dominate and punish.
Violation of dignity, respect and basic human values.
Setting a harmful example to both the children, normalizing cruelty, disrespect and conflict.
Corruption of parental duty : The father has a moral obligation to protect his children, not deprive them of essentials.
Society condemns such conduct, the home must be a place of safety, not punishment.
The Law Stands for Dignity
The legal framework in India protects individuals from such acts:
Right to live with dignity : Article 21
Right to shared household : DV Act Section 17
Protection from economic & emotional abuse : DV Act Section 3
Protection of minors from cruelty : JJ Act Section 75
Cruelty by spouse : BNS Section 86
The law does not tolerate emotional punishment disguised as “domestic issues.”
Final Thoughts
Conflicts happen. Separation happens. Divorce happens. But humanity must not disappear in the process.
No matter what life stage or disagreement, basic necessities, water, light, dignity, safety, and children’s wellbeing, must never be weaponized.
In difficult times, dignity and compassion are not optional; they are the minimum standards of a civil society.
If you or someone you know is facing emotional, economic, or physical deprivation at home, reach out, speak up, and seek help. Legal protections exist, no one has to suffer in silence.
The Author :
Dr. Sunil Khattri
+91 9811618704
Dr Sunil Khattri MBBS, MS(General Surgery), LLB, is a Medical doctor and is a practicing Advocate in the Supreme Court of India and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, New Delhi.
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