10 Judgements That Changed India: Landmark Cases and Their Impact

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.

Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Opportunity Updates

Get Daily Updates

Join our Telegram Channel for Opportunity Updates

Get Daily Updates

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Article

AIBE 2024: Tips and Tricks to Clear the All India Bar Examination

Hello everyone! I hope you’re all doing great. Today, we’re going to explore valuable strategies to help you prepare for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) in 2024. If you’ve studied law thoroughly, you’ll find that passing the exam is quite achievable.

Importance of Bare Acts

One crucial aspect of your preparation involves mastering bare acts. Bring plain versions to the exam, without commentaries or personal notes. Knowing these texts will help you answer many questions confidently. With proper preparation, you can aim to secure at least 45 marks, the minimum required to pass.

For Those Who Feel Unprepared

This discussion is especially for those who may not feel entirely ready. If your law education wasn’t robust or you haven’t revised properly, don’t worry. There are effective strategies you can adopt to improve your chances.

Key Subjects to Focus On

To maximize your score in AIBE 2024, concentrate on the following important subjects:

  1. Constitutional Law: 10 marks
  2. Criminal Law (IPC & CrPC): 10 marks
  3. Evidence Act: 8 marks
  4. Civil Procedure Code (CPC): 10 marks

Covering these areas can help you secure up to 46 marks. Additionally, including topics like Public Interest Litigation (4 marks) and Administrative Law (3 marks) can further enhance your score.

Effective Study Strategies

  1. Analyze Previous Year Papers: Reviewing past exam papers is crucial. Aim to solve at least the last five years’ papers to familiarize yourself with the question patterns.
  2. Practice Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Engaging with subject-specific MCQs will boost your confidence and reinforce your understanding of key concepts.
  3. Index-Based Preparation: Focus on the indices of important subjects to identify key areas to study, streamlining your revision process.

Mastering Key Areas

  1. Revise Key Acts: Understand the content of bare acts, as many exam questions will reference specific sections. For example, know what Section 173 of the CrPC entails.
  2. Expect Direct Questions: Most questions will come directly from the bare acts. Familiarity with these sections will greatly benefit your preparation.
  3. Identify Article Titles: Be prepared to recognize relevant sections when given titles instead of numbers.

Final Thoughts

With focused preparation and strategic study methods, passing AIBE 2024 is entirely feasible. Prioritize understanding the bare acts, practice with past papers, and reinforce your knowledge through MCQs. Seek support if needed, and remember to stay positive.


Download Official AIBE Exam Question Paper (PDF) – All India Bar Examination 2024

Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Opportunity Updates

Get Daily Updates

Join our Telegram Channel for Opportunity Updates

Get Daily Updates

Next Article

Contact Us

For Submitting a Post

contact@lawdrishti.com

For Banner ads & admission campaigns

advertise@lawdrishti.com

Timing

Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM (Mon-Sat)

See the below animation to allow notifications.

Start getting Lawdrishti updates useful for you!

Contact Us

For Submitting a Post

For Banner ads & admission campaigns

Contact us
For Submitting a Post
For Banner ads & admission campaigns
Timing

Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM (Mon-Sat)