Landmark Judgments on The Constitution of India

Description

Here are landmark judgments on the Constitution of India, categorized by key constitutional principles and doctrines:

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🧭 Basic Structure Doctrine

1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)

Significance: Established the Basic Structure Doctrine, holding that Parliament cannot alter the “basic structure” of the Constitution.

Basic structure includes: Rule of law, separation of powers, judicial review, federalism, secularism, etc.

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⚖️ Judicial Review and Independence of Judiciary

2. S. R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)

Significance: Limited the misuse of Article 356 (President’s Rule); emphasized secularism as a basic feature.

Ensured judicial review of proclamations under Article 356.

3. Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India (1993) – Second Judges Case

Significance: Gave primacy to the Collegium System in judicial appointments.

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📜 Fundamental Rights

4. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)