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

  • Case Summary: The case dealt with the question of whether Parliament had the power to amend the Constitution. The Supreme Court ruled that although Parliament could amend the Constitution, it could not alter its "basic structure."
  • Legal Impact: Established the Basic Structure Doctrine, which limits the power of Parliament to amend fundamental provisions of the Constitution.
  • Key Takeaway: The decision safeguarded the core values of India's Constitution, ensuring that fundamental principles like democracy and federalism are not altered by legislative amendments.

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

  • Case Summary: The case concerned the violation of Maneka Gandhi's right to travel abroad. The Supreme Court expanded the interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) to include the right to travel abroad, and introduced the concept of "due process" in Indian law.
  • Legal Impact: Reinforced the importance of individual liberty and equality, ruling that no law can violate fairness, reasonableness, and justice.
  • Key Takeaway: This case significantly broadened the scope of fundamental rights under the Constitution.

3. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)

  • Case Summary: A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized homosexual acts, was unconstitutional.
  • Legal Impact: Decriminalized consensual homosexual acts between adults, declaring that the right to privacy includes the right to love and be loved without interference.
  • Key Takeaway: This ruling was a landmark for human rights, promoting equality and decriminalizing the LGBTQ+ community in India.

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

  • Case Summary: The case dealt with the misuse of Article 356 of the Constitution (President's Rule). The Supreme Court ruled that the power of the President to dismiss a state government must be used with great caution.
  • Legal Impact: The judgment laid down the importance of federalism in India and restrained arbitrary dissolution of state governments.
  • Key Takeaway: Strengthened the relationship between the Centre and states and clarified the limits of central power.

5. Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992)

  • Case Summary: This case addressed the legality of reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions. The Supreme Court ruled that reservations should not exceed 50%.
  • Legal Impact: Introduced the Mandal Commission Report, allowing affirmative action for backward classes, and set a cap on reservations.
  • Key Takeaway: This case balanced equality and social justice, ensuring that affirmative action did not overshadow merit.

6. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)

  • Case Summary: The case concerned the eviction of slum dwellers in Bombay. The Supreme Court ruled that eviction without providing adequate alternative shelter violates the right to life and livelihood under Article 21.
  • Legal Impact: Established that the right to livelihood is closely tied to the right to life.
  • Key Takeaway: This case redefined socio-economic rights and placed a focus on human dignity in constitutional law.


7. Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975)

  • Case Summary: Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister, was challenged by Raj Narain regarding electoral malpractice. The Supreme Court upheld the election but disqualified her for six years due to corrupt practices.
  • Legal Impact: This case highlighted the absolute power of the judiciary in election-related matters, maintaining the integrity of democracy.
  • Key Takeaway: Established the principle of accountability for elected representatives and highlighted the importance of free and fair elections.

8. Keshav Singh’s Case (1964)

  • Case Summary: This case dealt with the issue of the privileges of the legislative assembly versus the judiciary’s power to enforce them. The Court decided that the judiciary could intervene in case of legislative overreach.
  • Legal Impact: Reinforced the separation of powers between the legislature and the judiciary.
  • Key Takeaway: The case highlighted the limits of the legislature's power, ensuring that it does not overstep its constitutional authority.

9. Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980)

  • Case Summary: The case involved the constitutionality of amendments to the Indian Constitution that diluted the scope of judicial review. The Court ruled that the judicial review power cannot be altered or reduced.
  • Legal Impact: Reaffirmed the basic structure doctrine and ensured that fundamental rights would always take precedence over directive principles.
  • Key Takeaway: Ensured that fundamental rights remain inviolate and that judicial review is an essential safeguard of democracy.

10. Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)

  • Case Summary: The Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, which criminalized offensive online content.
  • Legal Impact: Strengthened freedom of speech and expression, particularly in the context of the internet.
  • Key Takeaway: The ruling safeguarded individual rights against unwarranted censorship in the digital age.