Right to Housing Initiative

The right to shelter and adequate housing is a fundamental human right recognized globally under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and emphasized in the Indian Constitution, which guarantees social justice and the right to live with dignity. However, even after 75 years of independence, a majority of Indians lack proper housing by international standards, with both urban and rural areas facing significant challenges. In urban spaces, unaffordable rents and forced evictions due to unplanned urbanization often push marginalized communities into insecure living conditions. Rural areas face similar issues, with inadequate infrastructure compounding the problem.

Courts in India have repeatedly highlighted that the right to housing extends beyond having a roof over one’s head, encompassing access to clean water, a hygienic environment, and a peaceful atmosphere. Forced eviction drives, often carried out to accommodate private economic interests, displace thousands without adequate rehabilitation, disrupting lives overnight. Recognizing the critical role of housing in an individual’s physical and cognitive development, our foundation works to protect the housing rights of vulnerable communities, ensuring their dignity and secure living conditions.