Important Supreme Court Judgement For UPSC
Here are ten important Supreme Court judgments in India that have significantly impacted the legal and social landscape of the country:
1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
Summary: This significant case introduced the concept of the “Basic Structure Doctrine,” which asserts that the core framework of the Constitution is unchangeable through amendments.
Significance: It guarantees that the fundamental structure of the Constitution remains unchanged even as Parliament makes alterations.
2. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)
Summary: The interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) was broadened to emphasize that any law impacting personal liberty must be just, fair, and reasonable.
Significance: This strengthened the safeguarding of individual rights from arbitrary state actions.
3. Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India (1980)
Summary: The Basic Structure Doctrine was reaffirmed and amendments to the Constitution that aimed to limit judicial review were struck down.
Significance: Emphasized the importance of judicial review as a fundamental part of the Constitution.
4. Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992)
Summary: Supported the reservation of government jobs and educational opportunities for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Significance: Addressed issues of affirmative action and social justice
5. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997)
Summary: Established guidelines to prevent workplace sexual harassment of women.
Significance: Resulted in the passing of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
6. S. R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)
Summary: The boundaries of the President’s authority to impose President’s Rule in states were clarified, highlighting its limitations.
Significance: This clarification helped to reinforce federalism by preventing the misuse of such power.
7. Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011)
Summary: Acknowledged the legality of passive euthanasia in specific circumstances.
Significance: Sparked a conversation about the right to die with dignity in India.
8. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)
Summary: The striking down of parts of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code decriminalized consensual homosexual acts.
Significance: This was a landmark ruling for LGBTQ+ rights in India.
9. Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala (2018)
Summary: The traditional ban on women of all ages entering the Sabarimala Temple was overturned, allowing them to enter.
Significance: This decision addressed gender discrimination and upheld the principle of equality.
10. Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017)
The Indian Constitution has acknowledged the right to privacy as a fundamental right, which has had a significant impact on various areas of law, such as data protection and individual freedoms.
The rulings have significantly influenced different areas of Indian law and society, strengthening basic rights, tackling social problems, and molding the understanding of the Constitution.
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