The right to privacy, recognised as a fundamental human right, faces serious challenges in the era of expanding administrative surveillance. Governments across the world increasingly rely on mass surveillance to address concerns of national security, crime prevention, and efficient governance. However, such practices often result in excessive data collection, intrusion into personal autonomy, and the risk of misuse of sensitive information. This paper examines the survival of privacy rights amid growing state surveillance, focusing on the delicate balance between individual freedoms and legitimate state interests. It analyses legal frameworks governing surveillance in democratic societies and evaluates the adequacy of existing privacy safeguards. Landmark judicial decisions, including K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India and Carpenter v. United States, are critically examined. The study also explores how technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, biometric systems, and data mining intensify privacy concerns. Emphasising proportionality and necessity, the paper advocates stronger oversight, transparency, and privacy-oriented digital governance to protect privacy rights.
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