These words come from Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees all persons in India – regardless of citizenship – are not at the mercy of an arbitrary, whimsical state and, cannot be arrested or detained without the authorities completing all relevant formalities.

This fundamental right is sacrosanct and cannot be ignored even during an Emergency. And it’s a vague and idyllic concept; there is a clear and simple mechanism to enforce it if the government tries to detain you illegally: the writ of habeas corpus.

Which is why the decision of the Delhi High Court to adjourn Shah Faesal’s habeas corpus petition till 3 September – despite the government’s failure to provide any reasons for the same till now even though it is supposed to provide the reasons today (23 August) – is a denial of justice.