The Bombay High Court recently made a significant ruling, recognizing the right to sleep as a fundamental human right. This recognition came in response to a case where a person claimed that sleep deprivation caused by late-night investigations compromised their cognitive abilities and forced them to provide potentially incriminating information. The court acknowledged the importance of sleep and emphasized that depriving someone of sleep is a violation of their human rights.
Sleep Deprivation and its Effects
Numerous studies have shown that sleep deprivation has detrimental effects on physical health and cognitive function. Lack of sleep impairs reasoning abilities, and individuals who go without sleep for 24 hours are almost five times more likely to sign a false confession. Sleep deprivation is even used as a form of torture in enhanced interrogations, highlighting its cruel nature. As a result, courts worldwide have addressed the issue of sleep deprivation as a violation of human rights.
The Right to Sleep as a Fundamental Right
The right to sleep falls under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The Bombay High Court’s decision reflects a broader commitment to upholding individual dignity and rights. It also signifies the expanding scope of fundamental rights, as more sensitive issues are being recognized as rights by the courts. The court referred to several landmark judgments, including the Supreme Court’s recognition of sleep as a fundamental right in 2012. Other judgments emphasized the importance of sleep for sound health and ruled that every citizen has the right to sleep peacefully.
International Recognition of the Right to Sleep
India is not the only country to recognize sleep as a fundamental right. Various international agreements, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, protect sleep as a basic human right. While many countries do not explicitly mention sleep in their constitutions, they have implemented policies to safeguard it. For example, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2001 that all residents have the right to a good night’s sleep, leading to restrictions on night flights at Heathrow Airport in the UK. Additionally, the “right to disconnect” has been implemented in several countries, allowing workers to ignore calls and emails from their employers outside of work hours, particularly at night.
Limitations on the Right to Sleep
While the right to sleep is recognized as a fundamental right, it is important to note that it cannot be exercised unreasonably. Sleeping during the day, sleeping naked, or sleeping in public places are not warranted and can be restricted. Fundamental rights are subject to certain restrictions, and the right to sleep is no exception.
The recognition of the right to sleep as a fundamental right reflects an evolving understanding of human rights and the importance of individual well-being. As society develops and matures, courts are recognizing more sensitive issues as rights and expanding the scope of fundamental rights. The Bombay High Court’s decision to recognize the right to sleep as a fundamental human right protected under Article 21 of the Constitution reflects a commitment to upholding individual dignity and rights. The court’s observations highlight the expanding scope of fundamental rights and the importance of sleep for overall well-being.