Explore the pivotal role of the Supreme Court of India in shaping and interpreting the Constitution, delivering landmark verdicts that redefine India's legal terrain.

The Indian Supreme Court, through its landmark verdicts, has played a crucial role in interpreting and evolving the Constitution of India. Several judgments have reshaped the landscape of constitutional law, impacting fundamental rights and shaping the nation’s social and political fabric. Let’s explore some of the most significant ones:

1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): This case established the “Basic Structure” doctrine, stating that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution’s basic features. This judgment has been pivotal in protecting the core principles of the Constitution and safeguarding it from arbitrary alterations.
2. Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967): This case initially held that fundamental rights were absolute and could not be amended by Parliament. However, it was later overruled by the Kesavananda Bharati judgment, which allowed amendments while recognizing the need to protect the basic structure.
3. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): This case established the “Right to Life” as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. It broadened the scope of this right to include personal liberty, dignity, and fair procedures. This judgment significantly impacted the interpretation of fundamental rights and their application in various spheres.
4. Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980): This case reaffirmed the “Basic Structure” doctrine and further clarified its scope. It held that the “rule of law,” “separation of powers,” and “judicial review” are fundamental to the Constitution’s basic structure. This judgment strengthened the judiciary’s role as a guardian of the Constitution.
5. Shah Bano Begum v. Muhammad Ahmed Khan (1985): This case upheld the right of Muslim women to maintain under Section 125 of the CrPC, irrespective of their husbands’ laws. This judgment sparked debates about religious personal laws and their compatibility with fundamental rights.
6. Vishaka and others v. State of Rajasthan (1997): This case laid down comprehensive guidelines to address sexual harassment in workplaces where there was no legislative framework. These guidelines, popularly known as the “Vishaka Guidelines,” have become a vital tool for combatting sexual harassment and ensuring safe workplaces for women.
7. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017): This case recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right under the Constitution. This judgment has wide-ranging implications for data protection, surveillance, and other areas impacting individual privacy in the digital age.
8. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): This case decriminalized homosexuality by striking down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. This landmark judgment was a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights in India and recognized their right to equality and dignity.
9. Sabarimala Temple Case (2018): This case allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala Temple, challenging age-old traditions that restricted their entry. This judgment sparked debates about religious beliefs, gender equality, and the interpretation of fundamental rights.
10. Triple Talaq Case (2017): This case declared the practice of instant triple talaq unconstitutional, protecting Muslim women from arbitrary divorce. This judgment was hailed as a major step towards gender equality and religious reform.

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FAQ

What is the longest judgement in India?

The record for the longest judgement in India belongs to the Aadhaar case (2018), with a total of 1448 pages. This landmark judgement explored the constitutionality of the Aadhaar scheme and its impact on privacy and data protection.

What is the most cited judgement in India?

The Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) is widely considered the most cited judgement in India. This case established the Basic Structure doctrine, which states that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution's fundamental features. This doctrine has been cited in numerous subsequent judgements and continues to play a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution.

How many days can a court reserve judgement in India?

There is no fixed limit on the number of days a court can reserve judgement in India. Judges have the discretion to take as much time as they need to consider the case and write their judgement. However, lengthy delays in delivering judgements have been a concern in the Indian legal system. Some recent judgements, like the Naz Foundation case, have been criticized for taking over two years to be delivered after being reserved.

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