The role of the Supreme Court in the protection of human rights can vary depending on the legal and constitutional framework of a particular country. However, in general, the Supreme Court plays a crucial role in safeguarding and upholding human rights through several key functions: Interpretation of Constitutional Rights: Supreme Courts often have the authority to interpret constitutional provisions related to human rights. They clarify the scope and meaning of rights enshrined in the constitution, ensuring that individuals are protected from government actions that may infringe upon their rights. Judicial Review: The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, enabling it to review the constitutionality of laws, policies, and government actions. If a law or government action is found to violate human rights as guaranteed by the constitution, the Supreme Court can declare it unconstitutional and, therefore, unenforceable. Protection of Fundamental Rights: Many constitutions include a bill of rights or a section explicitly outlining fundamental human rights. The Supreme Court is responsible for protecting these rights by ensuring that laws and government actions comply with these fundamental principles. Habeas Corpus and Due Process: The Supreme Court often adjudicates cases related to habeas corpus, ensuring that individuals are not unlawfully detained, and due process is followed in legal proceedings. This helps protect individuals from arbitrary arrests and unfair judicial processes. Adjudication of Human Rights Cases: The Supreme Court hears cases related to human rights violations. Individuals or groups can bring cases before the court, seeking redress for alleged violations of their rights. The court's decisions set precedents that guide future legal interpretations and actions. Checks and Balances: In a system of checks and balances, the Supreme Court acts as a check on the powers of the legislative and executive branches. By reviewing and potentially striking down laws or actions that violate human rights, the court helps maintain a balance of power and prevents abuses by other branches of government. International Human Rights Standards: In some cases, Supreme Courts consider international human rights standards and treaties when interpreting domestic law. This can enhance the protection of human rights by aligning national legal principles with global standards. Public Interest Litigation: The Supreme Court may allow or initiate public interest litigation (PIL) to address human rights issues affecting a large section of the population. This mechanism enables the court to take suo motu action or respond to petitions that serve the public interest in promoting and protecting human rights. In summary, the Supreme Court plays a critical role in safeguarding human rights by interpreting constitutional provisions, conducting judicial review, protecting fundamental rights, adjudicating human rights cases, and ensuring checks and balances within the legal system.

The Supreme Court of India plays a crucial role in protecting human rights through: 1. *Interpretation of Constitution*: The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution, ensuring that laws and government actions align with fundamental rights. 2. *Judicial Review*: The Court reviews laws and executive actions, striking down those that violate human rights. 3. *Writ Jurisdiction*: The Court issues writs (orders) to protect human rights, such as habeas corpus, mandamus, and quo warranto. 4. *Public Interest Litigation (PIL)*: The Court entertains PILs, allowing citizens to approach the Court directly to protect human rights. 5. *Landmark Judgments*: The Court delivers landmark judgments, setting precedents and shaping human rights jurisprudence. 6. *Enforcement of International Treaties*: The Court ensures that India's international human rights obligations are upheld. 7. *Protection of Vulnerable Groups*: The Court has protected the rights of marginalized communities, such as women, children, and minorities. 8. *Environmental Protection*: The Court has recognized the right to a healthy environment as a fundamental right. 9. *Right to Life and Liberty*: The Court has expanded the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty) to include various aspects of human rights. 10. *Accountability and Transparency*: The Court promotes accountability and transparency in government actions, ensuring that human rights are respected. By performing these roles, the Supreme Court of India plays a vital role in protecting and promoting human rights in the country. Some notable judgments of the Supreme Court of India that highlight its role in protecting human rights include: 1. _Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India (1978)_: The Court held that the right to life and liberty (Article 21) includes the right to live with dignity. 2. _Francis Coralie Mullin vs Union Territory of Delhi (1981)_: The Court recognized the right to life as inclusive of the right to livelihood. 3. _Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)_: The Court held that the right to life includes the right to shelter. 4. _Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan (1997)_: The Court laid down guidelines to prevent sexual harassment at the workplace. 5. _NALSA vs Union of India (2014)_: The Court recognized the rights of transgender persons and directed the government to provide them with equal opportunities. 6. _Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015)_: The Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, protecting freedom of speech online. 7. _Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017)_: The Court recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right. 8. _Navtej Singh Johar vs Union of India (2018)_: The Court decriminalized homosexuality, striking down Section 377 of the IPC. 9. _Joseph Shine vs Union of India (2019)_: The Court decriminalized adultery, striking down Section 497 of the IPC. 10. _Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India (2020)_: The Court protected the freedom of speech and expression in Jammu and Kashmir. These judgments demonstrate the Supreme Court's role in protecting human rights and upholding the Constitution.

The Supreme Court of India plays a crucial role in protecting human rights through: 1. *Interpretation of Constitution*: The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution, ensuring that laws and government actions align with fundamental rights. 2. *Judicial Review*: The Court reviews laws and executive actions, striking down those that violate human rights. 3. *Writ Jurisdiction*: The Court issues writs (orders) to protect human rights, such as habeas corpus, mandamus, and quo warranto. 4. *Public Interest Litigation (PIL)*: The Court entertains PILs, allowing citizens to approach the Court directly to protect human rights. 5. *Landmark Judgments*: The Court delivers landmark judgments, setting precedents and shaping human rights jurisprudence. 6. *Enforcement of International Treaties*: The Court ensures that India's international human rights obligations are upheld. 7. *Protection of Vulnerable Groups*: The Court has protected the rights of marginalized communities, such as women, children, and minorities. 8. *Environmental Protection*: The Court has recognized the right to a healthy environment as a fundamental right. 9. *Right to Life and Liberty*: The Court has expanded the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty) to include various aspects of human rights. 10. *Accountability and Transparency*: The Court promotes accountability and transparency in government actions, ensuring that human rights are respected. By performing these roles, the Supreme Court of India plays a vital role in protecting and promoting human rights in the country. Some notable judgments of the Supreme Court of India that highlight its role in protecting human rights include: 1. _Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India (1978)_: The Court held that the right to life and liberty (Article 21) includes the right to live with dignity. 2. _Francis Coralie Mullin vs Union Territory of Delhi (1981)_: The Court recognized the right to life as inclusive of the right to livelihood. 3. _Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)_: The Court held that the right to life includes the right to shelter. 4. _Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan (1997)_: The Court laid down guidelines to prevent sexual harassment at the workplace. 5. _NALSA vs Union of India (2014)_: The Court recognized the rights of transgender persons and directed the government to provide them with equal opportunities. 6. _Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015)_: The Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, protecting freedom of speech online. 7. _Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017)_: The Court recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right. 8. _Navtej Singh Johar vs Union of India (2018)_: The Court decriminalized homosexuality, striking down Section 377 of the IPC. 9. _Joseph Shine vs Union of India (2019)_: The Court decriminalized adultery, striking down Section 497 of the IPC. 10. _Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India (2020)_: The Court protected the freedom of speech and expression in Jammu and Kashmir. These judgments demonstrate the Supreme Court's role in protecting human rights and upholding the Constitution.