Kazi Syed Karimuddin: Life and Liberty

Vidarbha, in Maharashtra's north-eastern region, has been fertile ground for social reformers and intellectuals. It has played a vital role in shaping the nation, with its social, cultural, and political currents enriching India's civilization. One such luminary from Yavatmal was Kazi Syed Karimuddin, a distinguished criminal lawyer who played a critical role in drafting the Indian Constitution.

Karimuddin actively engaged in Yavatmal's social, legal, judicial, and political circles. He participated in the Constituent Assembly (1947-50), framing the Constitution, and served in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly (1947-52) when it was known as the Central Province. Later, he was a Rajya Sabha member (1954-58). He earned a law degree from Aligarh Muslim University and became a notable litigator in privacy, emergency provisions, and proportional representation.

Karimuddin proposed an amendment in the Constituent Assembly, modeled after the American Constitution, to make the right to privacy a fundamental right. However, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar only offered reserved support. Article 20 states that no person shall be convicted except under a law in force at the time of the act, prosecuted twice for the same offence, or compelled to be a witness against themselves.

This book outlines Karimuddin's remarkable career as a criminal lawyer and a pioneer of the right to privacy. It traces the journey of privacy rights from his amendment to the Puttaswamy case, which extensively shaped its legal framework.