Introduction
India’s legal landscape has been shaped by several landmark judgments that have not only clarified the law but also transformed the way justice is administered. These cases have had profound impacts on citizens’ rights, societal norms, and governmental authority. In this blog post, we explore 10 landmark judgments that redefined India’s socio-political and legal fabric. You can download the full PDF for a detailed analysis of these cases.
1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
The Basic Structure Doctrine introduced by this judgment limited Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution. This landmark ruling ensured that while amendments can be made, the fundamental framework of the Constitution must remain intact, safeguarding citizens’ rights and democracy.
2. Life, Uninterrupted: The Supreme Court’s Chance at Redemption
In Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), the Supreme Court significantly expanded the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). It ruled that the procedure established by law must be fair, just, and reasonable, reinforcing the importance of due process.
3. Whose Law Is It Anyway?: A Flashpoint in Religious Fundamentalism
The Mohammed Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum (1985) case was a flashpoint in the debate over religious personal laws and the rights of women. The court’s decision to grant alimony under secular law sparked discussions on the relationship between religion and the law in India.
4. Home on the Range: The Emergence of ‘Second Generation Rights’ like Housing
In Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985), the Supreme Court recognized the Right to Livelihood as part of the Right to Life under Article 21, protecting pavement dwellers from eviction without due legal process, and marking a shift toward recognizing socio-economic rights.
5. Justice Delayed: The Loss through Law
The Union Carbide Corporation v. Union of India (1989), also known as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, dealt with the tragic consequences of industrial negligence. This case highlighted the need for corporate accountability and raised concerns about delayed justice and compensation for victims.
6. ‘No, I Am More Backward Than You Are!’: The Discourse on Reservations
Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992), or the Mandal Commission case, upheld the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) but capped it at 50%, reshaping affirmative action policies and sparking debates on caste and class in India.
7. Death in Custody: The Breach of Trust and Its Price
In Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa (1993), the Supreme Court emphasized state responsibility for custodial deaths, reinforcing the importance of protecting fundamental human rights, especially for those in police or judicial custody.
8. Courting Liberty: Independence of the Judiciary as Envisaged by the Constitution of India
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India (1993) case reinforced the independence of the judiciary by ensuring that the appointment of judges would remain within the judiciary itself, strengthening the checks and balances on executive power.
9. All in a Day’s Work: Sexual Harassment at the Workplace
In Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997), the court established guidelines to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, which led to the enactment of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. This was a crucial step for women’s rights in India.
10. Killing Me Softly: The Euthanasia Debate in India
Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011) addressed the sensitive issue of euthanasia. The court allowed passive euthanasia under strict guidelines, recognizing the right to die with dignity as an extension of the Right to Life.
Conclusion
These ten judgments reflect the critical role the judiciary has played in shaping the legal and moral landscape of India. From personal liberty to affirmative action, and corporate accountability to women’s rights, these cases have been at the heart of India’s journey toward justice. For a detailed exploration of these judgments, download the PDF attached below.
