Important Judgements Of Indian Judiciary


1. Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala (1973)

  • Key Judgment: Established the Basic Structure Doctrine.
  • Details: The Supreme Court ruled that while Parliament can amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its basic structure.
  • Impact: Safeguarded core principles like democracy, federalism, and fundamental rights from arbitrary amendments.

2. Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India (1978)

  • Key Judgment: Expanded the interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).
  • Details: Introduced the principle that no law can violate fairness, reasonableness, and justice.
  • Impact: Strengthened individual liberty and introduced procedural fairness in law.

3. Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan (1997)

  • Key Judgment: Issued guidelines to prevent sexual harassment at workplaces.
  • Details: Laid the foundation for the POSH Act, 2013.
  • Impact: Ensured a safe working environment for women and created a legal mechanism to address workplace grievances.

4. Navtej Singh Johar vs Union of India (2018)

  • Key Judgment: Decriminalized homosexuality by striking down portions of Section 377 of the IPC.
  • Details: Affirmed the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to equality and personal liberty.
  • Impact: Historic recognition of human rights, paving the way for societal acceptance.

5. S.R. Bommai vs Union of India (1994)

  • Key Judgment: Limited misuse of Article 356 regarding dismissal of state governments.
  • Details: Stated that federalism is part of the Constitution's basic structure.
  • Impact: Strengthened state autonomy and democracy in India.

6. Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (1992)

  • Key Judgment: Validated reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
  • Details: Introduced the 50% cap on reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.
  • Impact: Balanced affirmative action with meritocracy and equal opportunity.


7. Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)

  • Key Judgment: Linked the right to livelihood with Article 21.
  • Details: Prevented arbitrary eviction of slum dwellers without due process.
  • Impact: Acknowledged socio-economic rights within the ambit of fundamental rights.

8. Indian Young Lawyers Association vs State of Kerala (2018)

  • Key Judgment: Allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple.
  • Details: Ruled that discrimination based on gender violates the Constitution.
  • Impact: Emphasized equality and the secular fabric of India.

9. Minerva Mills vs Union of India (1980)

  • Key Judgment: Reaffirmed the Basic Structure Doctrine.
  • Details: Struck down amendments that curtailed judicial review.
  • Impact: Ensured a balance between fundamental rights and directive principles.

10. Keshav Singh’s Case (1964)

  • Key Judgment: Examined the privileges of legislatures versus the judiciary.
  • Details: The Supreme Court ruled that the judiciary can intervene in cases of legislative overreach.
  • Impact: Defined the separation of powers between the judiciary and legislature.