Introduction
Landmark constitutional cases shape India’s legal and political system. For UPSC Mains, understanding these cases helps you write stronger, clearer, and more scoring answers. These judgments define how the Constitution works, how rights evolve, and how governance adapts.
Why Is A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (1950) Important?
The Supreme Court interpreted the phrase “procedure established by law” in Article 21. The Court took a narrow view. It separated Articles 19, 21, and 22. It allowed the State greater power in preventive detention. This case dominated early fundamental rights interpretation. It was later overturned but remains significant for UPSC because it shows how India’s rights jurisprudence started.
How Did Champakam Dorairajan (1951) Change Reservation Policy?
The Court struck down caste-based reservations made by the Madras government. It said such reservations violated Article 29(2). The judgment forced Parliament to pass the First Constitutional Amendment. This amendment introduced Article 15(4). It enabled affirmative action for socially and educationally backward classes. UPSC often mentions this case while discussing social justice and educational rights.
What Did the Berubari Union Case (1960) Say About the Preamble?
The Supreme Court ruled that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution. It said the Preamble cannot be a source of legislative power. Later, the Kesavananda judgment changed this view. But Berubari remains critical because it shows the evolution of constitutional interpretation. It highlights how the judiciary’s understanding of the Preamble transformed.
Why Is the Golaknath Case (1967) a Turning Point?
The Court ruled that Parliament cannot amend Fundamental Rights. It treated constitutional amendments as ordinary laws. This created tension between Parliament and judiciary. The case set the stage for the Kesavananda Bharati judgment. Golaknath is essential for understanding constitutional amendment debates.
How Did Kesavananda Bharati (1973) Create the Basic Structure Doctrine?
The Supreme Court introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine. It held that Parliament may amend the Constitution but cannot destroy its basic features. These features include democracy, rule of law, secularism, separation of powers, and judicial review. This judgment balanced Parliament’s power and constitutional stability. It is the most cited constitutional case in UPSC Mains.
Why Is Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975) Significant?
The Court struck down parts of the 39th Amendment. It protected judicial scrutiny of elections, including the election of the Prime Minister. It preserved the democratic structure. The judgment reaffirmed that Parliament cannot pass laws that damage free elections. It strengthened the doctrine of basic structure.
What Happened in ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (1976)?
The Supreme Court ruled that during an Emergency, the State can suspend habeas corpus. It held that citizens cannot challenge unlawful detention. This decision attracted strong criticism. Later, the Puttaswamy judgment overruled it. The case is important because it shows a rare failure of the judiciary to protect personal liberty.
How Did Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) Expand Article 21?
The Court gave a new, expansive meaning to “personal liberty.” It linked Articles 14, 19, and 21. It said that any law restricting liberty must be fair, just, and reasonable. This transformed Article 21 into a powerful tool for protecting rights. Many later rights, including the right to privacy, are based on this principle.
Why Does Minerva Mills (1980) Matter for Constitutional Balance?
The Court struck down parts of the 42nd Amendment. It held that limited amending power itself forms part of the Basic Structure. The judgment protected the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles. It ensured that Parliament cannot rewrite the Constitution’s core identity.
How Did the First Judges Case (1981) Influence the Judiciary?
S.P. Gupta v. Union of India expanded judicial independence. It held that the executive has primacy in judicial appointments. This interpretation later changed in the Second and Third Judges Cases. But S.P. Gupta is important because it began the debate on the Collegium system.
How Did Olga Tellis (1985) Recognize the Right to Livelihood?
The Court declared that the right to livelihood is part of Article 21. It said eviction of pavement dwellers cannot happen without due process. This case linked socio-economic rights with fundamental rights. It strengthened the idea of dignity in constitutional law.
What Did Sarla Mudgal (1995) Say About Marriage and UCC?
The Court addressed the issue of conversion for the sake of a second marriage. It held such marriages invalid. It highlighted the need for a Uniform Civil Code under Article 44. The judgment often appears in UPSC essays on secularism and gender justice.
How Did Indra Sawhney (1992) Transform Reservation Policy?
The Court upheld 27% reservation for OBCs. It introduced the concept of the creamy layer. It capped total reservations at 50%. The judgment defined India’s modern reservation framework. UPSC frequently refers to it in polity questions on equality and affirmative action.
Why Was Mohini Jain (1992) Vital for the Right to Education?
The Court declared that education is a fundamental right under Article 21. It criticized capitation fees. This case paved the way for the Unnikrishnan judgment and later the 86th Amendment. It strengthened the idea of equal educational opportunity.
How Did S.R. Bommai (1994) Limit President’s Rule?
The Court ruled that Article 356 cannot be misused. It placed President’s Rule under judicial review. It promoted federalism and protected State governments from arbitrary dismissal. It remains a foundation for India’s federal structure.
What Did IR Coelho (2007) Clarify About the Ninth Schedule?
The Court held that laws placed in the Ninth Schedule after 1973 must meet the Basic Structure test. It ensured that Parliament cannot hide unconstitutional laws by placing them in the Ninth Schedule. The judgment reinforced judicial review.
How Did the Puttaswamy Case (2017) Establish Privacy Rights?
The Court recognized the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21. It overruled ADM Jabalpur. It protected individual autonomy, data, and dignity. This case guides digital privacy debates and modern governance issues.
Why Is Navtej Singh Johar (2018) a Landmark for LGBTQ+ Rights?
The Court decriminalized consensual same-sex relationships. It struck down Section 377. It expanded equality and dignity under Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21. The judgment strengthened constitutional morality.
What Did the ADR Case (2024) Decide About Electoral Bonds?
The Court struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme. It held that anonymous political funding violates Article 19(1)(a). It protected transparency and voters’ right to information. This case is crucial for answers on electoral reforms and accountability.
How Does Biswajit Das v. CBI (2025) Expand Article 142?
The Court expanded the scope of Article 142 to deliver complete justice. It strengthened judicial powers in complex criminal matters. This is one of the latest cases shaping the Court’s role in ensuring fairness.
Why Do These Cases Matter for UPSC Preparation?
These cases help you understand constitutional development. They show how rights evolved and how the Supreme Court protects democracy. They help you write enriched answers in GS-II, GS-IV, essays, and interview responses. They also help you link constitutional articles with real judgments. This approach makes your answers more analytical and scoring.
