1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
Citation: AIR 1973 SC 1461
This is arguably the most significant constitutional case in Indian history. The case revolved around the question: Can Parliament amend every part of the Constitution, including fundamental rights?
The Supreme Court, in a 7:6 majority, laid down the “Basic Structure Doctrine,” holding that while Parliament has wide powers to amend the Constitution under Article 368, it cannot alter the “basic structure” of the Constitution. Elements such as the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law, separation of powers, and judicial review were held to be part of this basic structure.
Impact:
This judgment preserved the core identity of the Constitution and has been the bedrock of constitutional jurisprudence, used in subsequent rulings to strike down laws or amendments that violated the basic structure.
2. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)
Citation: AIR 1978 SC 597
In this case, Maneka Gandhi’s passport was impounded under the Passport Act without being given a reason or a chance to be heard. She challenged this action under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).
The Court ruled that Article 21 includes a right to a fair procedure, and the procedure must be “just, fair and reasonable,” thus expanding the interpretation of life and liberty.
Impact:
This judgment gave a new dimension to Article 21, leading to the evolution of various other rights such as the right to privacy, the right to travel, and environmental and health rights under the ambit of Article 21.
3. Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum (1985)
Citation: AIR 1985 SC 945
A landmark decision on maintenance rights of Muslim women under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The Court held that a Muslim woman is entitled to maintenance beyond the iddat period if she is unable to maintain herself.
Impact:
Though controversial, this ruling sparked national debate on the Uniform Civil Code and led to the enactment of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986. The judgment reinforced the concept of secular equality and the universality of maintenance laws, irrespective of religion.
4. Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975)
Citation: AIR 1975 SC 2299
This case challenged Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s election victory, alleging electoral malpractices. The Supreme Court struck down the 39th Constitutional Amendment that attempted to put the Prime Minister’s election beyond judicial review.
Impact:
The Court reiterated the supremacy of the rule of law and judicial review and held that free and fair elections are a part of the basic structure of the Constitution.
5. S. R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)
Citation: AIR 1994 SC 1918
This case dealt with the misuse of Article 356, which allows the imposition of President’s Rule in states. The central government had dismissed several state governments based on alleged breakdowns in constitutional machinery.
The Court ruled that the proclamation under Article 356 is subject to judicial review, and arbitrary dismissal of state governments violates federal principles.
Impact:
This case reinforced federalism, curbed arbitrary actions by the Centre, and strengthened democratic governance in states.
6. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997)
Citation: AIR 1997 SC 3011
This case arose from the brutal gang rape of Bhanwari Devi, a social worker in Rajasthan. The Court laid down guidelines for preventing sexual harassment at workplaces, known as the Vishaka Guidelines, under Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21.
Impact:
These guidelines became the foundation for the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The judgment was pivotal in recognizing women’s workplace rights and gender justice.
7. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)
Citation: AIR 2018 SC 4321
The Court decriminalized Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized consensual homosexual acts among adults. The Court ruled that the provision violated Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21.
Impact:
This historic verdict upheld the dignity, autonomy, and identity of LGBTQ+ individuals, leading to greater social acceptance and legislative debate around LGBTQ+ rights.
8. Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017)
Citation: AIR 2017 SC 4161
This case was about the constitutional validity of the right to privacy in the context of Aadhaar and surveillance. A nine-judge bench unanimously held that the right to privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21.
Impact:
This judgment paved the way for further discussions on data protection, surveillance reforms, and the limits of state interference in personal lives. It overruled earlier judgments like M.P. Sharma (1954) and Kharak Singh (1962).
9. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)
Citation: AIR 1986 SC 180
Often referred to as the “Right to Livelihood Case,” the Court held that the right to livelihood is an integral part of Article 21. Eviction of pavement dwellers without alternative accommodation was seen as a violation of the right to life.
Impact:
This expanded the scope of Article 21 further and emphasized the socio-economic rights of the urban poor and the need for humane urban development.
10. Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India (1980)
Citation: AIR 1980 SC 1789
This case reaffirmed the basic structure doctrine and struck down clauses of the 42nd Amendment that gave unlimited amending power to Parliament.
Impact:
The judgment maintained a balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy, and prevented authoritarian constitutional amendments.
11. Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala (2018)
Citation: AIR 2018 SC 4321
This case dealt with the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The Supreme Court held that the practice of excluding women aged 10 to 50 violated Articles 14, 15, 25, and 51A(e).
Impact:
It was a significant step in gender justice and equality in religious practices, though it sparked substantial religious and political debate.
12. Shayara Bano v. Union of India (Triple Talaq Case, 2017)
Citation: AIR 2017 SC 4609
The Court declared instant triple talaq (talaq-e-biddat) as unconstitutional by a 3:2 majority. It held that the practice was against constitutional morality and gender equality.
Impact:
This led to the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, criminalizing the practice and providing legal remedies to Muslim women.