Fundamental rights (Article 21, phraseology): What does "procedure established by law" signify? Contrast judicial review of procedure with substantive due process in the Indian context. Choose the correct interpretation.

Given data

• Phrase: "Procedure established by law" in Article 21.

Concept/Approach
The phrase traditionally meant that courts examine whether there is a valid law and whether the procedure prescribed by that law is followed. (Subsequent jurisprudence — e.g., Maneka Gandhi — read reasonableness into the procedure, but the exam-standard interpretation attached to the phrase emphasizes adherence to law/procedure rather than a free-standing substantive due process test.)

Final Answer
Judges cannot question the fairness or validity of a law if it is within constitutional limits and proper procedure exists