A market-oriented economy and the framework of human rights both function to limit excessive state authority while enhancing individual autonomy. In many ways, they can be viewed as complementary forces. It is widely assumed that a market economy serves as a driving force for economic growth, whereas the protection of human rights represents genuine development—the ultimate objective of any society. However, an important question arises: does this relationship hold consistently across contexts, or do tensions exist that create a fluctuating dynamic between market mechanisms and human rights within the broader process of growth and development? This paper examines the potential trade-offs between market economies and human rights, particularly in the context of economic growth and development. It further explores how the implementation of human rights obligations—specifically in the form of food security initiatives in Indian states—can produce unintended consequences that interfere with market efficiency. By analysing these interactions, the study aims to shed light on the complex and sometimes conflicting relationship between economic liberalization and the realization of human rights.