10 Landmark Judgments of the Supreme Court of India

10 Landmark Judgments of the Supreme Court of India

The Supreme Court of India has delivered numerous judgments that have had a profound impact on the country’s legal, political, and social landscape. These landmark judgments define the spirit of the Indian Constitution, safeguarding citizens’ rights, preserving the principles of democracy, and upholding the rule of law. This article covers ten of the most important Supreme Court judgments, discussing their legal significance and their role in shaping Indian jurisprudence.

1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)

The Kesavananda Bharati case is considered a cornerstone in Indian constitutional law, establishing the “Basic Structure Doctrine.”

Background

In this case, Swami Kesavananda Bharati challenged the Kerala government’s attempt to take over his religious property under the Kerala Land Reforms Act, 1969.

Legal Principle

The Supreme Court held that while Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its basic structure. The judgment protected fundamental elements such as democracy, secularism, and federalism from being amended out of existence.

Impact

This ruling preserves the Constitution’s core values, limiting Parliament’s amending power. Read more about the Basic Structure Doctrine.

2. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)

The Maneka Gandhi case expanded the scope of Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.

Background

Maneka Gandhi’s passport was seized by authorities without giving her a reason, prompting her to challenge the order.

Legal Principle

The Supreme Court ruled that any law restricting personal liberty must meet the requirements of fairness, justice, and reasonableness. This case broadened the interpretation of Article 21, incorporating procedural due process.

Impact

Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India has been pivotal in human rights protection, strengthening the right to life and personal liberty. Explore the significance of Article 21.

3. Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967)

In Golaknath v. State of Punjab, the Supreme Court restricted Parliament’s power to amend fundamental rights.

Background

The Golaknath family challenged the Punjab government’s acquisition of their land, questioning whether Parliament had the authority to amend the Constitution.

Legal Principle

The court held that fundamental rights cannot be amended, even by Parliament. However, this position was later modified in the Kesavananda Bharati case.

Impact

Golaknath was a turning point in constitutional interpretation, sparking debates on amending powers. Learn more about fundamental rights in India.

4. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997)

The Vishaka case is a significant judgment regarding sexual harassment in the workplace.

Background

The case arose after the brutal gang-rape of Bhanwari Devi, a social worker in Rajasthan. Vishaka and other NGOs filed a petition seeking protections for women in workplaces.

Legal Principle

The Supreme Court established the Vishaka Guidelines to prevent sexual harassment at workplaces until the government enacted a law.

Impact

The Vishaka Guidelines laid the groundwork for the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. See more about workplace harassment laws.

5. SR Bommai v. Union of India (1994)

The SR Bommai case redefined the principles of federalism and secularism.

Background

SR Bommai, Karnataka’s Chief Minister, challenged the central government’s decision to dismiss his government based on the claim that it had lost its secular character.

Legal Principle

The Supreme Court held that secularism is a core principle of the Indian Constitution and that states cannot be dismissed without sufficient reason, thereby limiting the President’s power to impose President’s Rule.

Impact

SR Bommai reinforced federalism, underscoring that states and the central government have a cooperative relationship. Read more about federalism in India.

6. ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (1976)

Known as the Habeas Corpus Case, ADM Jabalpur questioned personal liberties during Emergency.

Background

During the Emergency of 1975-77, many political leaders were detained without trial. Shivkant Shukla filed a petition to safeguard individual rights.

Legal Principle

The court controversially ruled that during an Emergency, citizens’ fundamental rights could be suspended, giving wide-ranging powers to the government.

Impact

ADM Jabalpur highlighted the dangers of unregulated executive power. However, this judgment was later criticized and eventually overturned by the Supreme Court in later cases. Learn more about the Emergency period in India.

7. Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992)

The Indra Sawhney case, also known as the Mandal Commission Case, addressed reservations and affirmative action.

Background

The case questioned the validity of the Mandal Commission recommendations, which proposed reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions.

Legal Principle

The court upheld reservations but set a cap of 50%, establishing the creamy layer principle, which excluded economically advanced members of OBCs from benefits.

Impact

Indra Sawhney was crucial in shaping reservation policy, balancing affirmative action and equality. Read about reservation policies.

8. Naz Foundation v. Government of NCT of Delhi (2009)

The Naz Foundation case was instrumental in decriminalizing homosexuality in India.

Background

The Naz Foundation challenged Section 377 of the IPC, which criminalized consensual same-sex relationships.

Legal Principle

The Delhi High Court initially decriminalized homosexuality, interpreting Section 377 as violating constitutional rights. This judgment was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2013 but was reinstated in the Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India case in 2018.

Impact

Naz Foundation marked a historic moment in LGBTQ+ rights in India, influencing future reforms. Learn more about LGBTQ+ rights in India.

9. Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017)

In Shayara Bano v. Union of India, the Supreme Court tackled triple talaq (instant divorce in Islam).

Background

Shayara Bano challenged the constitutionality of triple talaq after her husband divorced her using this method.

Legal Principle

The Supreme Court ruled triple talaq unconstitutional, declaring it arbitrary and not protected under Article 25 (Freedom of Religion).

Impact

The judgment led to the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, making triple talaq illegal. Learn more about triple talaq legislation.

10. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)

The Navtej Singh Johar case finalized the decriminalization of same-sex relationships in India, amending Section 377 of the IPC.

Background

Navtej Singh Johar, along with other petitioners, sought a review of the 2013 judgment that had re-criminalized homosexuality.

Legal Principle

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Section 377 violated fundamental rights and struck down the part criminalizing consensual same-sex relationships.

Impact

Navtej Singh Johar was a milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in India, affirming the values of dignity, privacy, and equality. Read more about the significance of this case.

Each of these landmark judgments by the Supreme Court of India has contributed significantly to the evolution of Indian law, protecting citizens’ rights and refining constitutional principles. These cases highlight the dynamic nature of Indian jurisprudence, adapting to meet the nation’s changing needs. The impact of these judgments extends beyond the legal community, influencing social, political, and economic landscapes in India.