Landmark Judgments of the Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court of India has delivered several historic judgments that have preserved the sanctity of the Constitution, expanded the scope of Fundamental Rights, and strengthened democratic governance. Below are ten landmark judgments that continue to shape Indian constitutional law.
1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
Bench: 13 Judges
Majority: 7 : 6The Supreme Court ruled that while Parliament has wide powers to amend the Constitution under Article 368, it cannot alter or destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
Key Contributions
- Introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine
- Limited Parliament’s amending power
- Ensured constitutional supremacy
Elements of Basic Structure (Illustrative)
- Rule of Law
- Judicial Review
- Parliamentary Democracy
- Federalism
- Secularism
- Free and Fair Elections
- Independence of Judiciary
- Objectives of the Preamble
2. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)
The Court expanded the interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) by holding that any law affecting personal liberty must be just, fair, and reasonable.
Key Contributions
- Introduced substantive due process in India
- Established inter-linkage between Articles 14, 19 and 21
- Popularized the concept of the Golden Triangle
3. Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)
The Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, declaring it unconstitutional.
Key Contributions
- Strengthened freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a))
- Held that mere annoyance or inconvenience cannot be criminalized
- Protected online speech and digital rights
4. Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017)
A nine-judge bench unanimously held that the Right to Privacy is a Fundamental Right under Article 21.
Key Contributions
- Overruled M.P. Sharma (1954) and Kharak Singh (1962)
- Recognized privacy as intrinsic to dignity and liberty
- Provided constitutional basis for data protection jurisprudence
5. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)
This judgment placed constitutional limits on the use of Article 356 (President’s Rule).
Key Contributions
- Declared Federalism and Secularism as part of Basic Structure
- Made floor test mandatory to prove majority
- Differentiated between breakdown of law & order and constitutional machinery
6. Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992)
(Mandal Case)The Supreme Court upheld 27% reservation for OBCs, subject to constitutional safeguards.
Key Contributions
- Introduced Creamy Layer concept
- Fixed 50% ceiling on total reservation
- Reservation limited to initial recruitment
- Emphasized efficiency in administration
7. Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980)
The Court invalidated parts of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment.
Key Contributions
- Reaffirmed Basic Structure Doctrine
- Held that balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles is essential
- Declared Judicial Review as part of Basic Structure
8. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997)
In absence of legislation, the Supreme Court laid down guidelines to prevent sexual harassment at workplaces.
Key Contributions
- Issued Vishaka Guidelines under Article 141
- Recognized workplace safety as a constitutional right
- Led to enactment of POSH Act, 2013
9. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)
The Court decriminalized consensual homosexuality by partially striking down Section 377 of IPC.
Key Contributions
- Emphasized constitutional morality
- Protected dignity, privacy, and equality
- Strengthened LGBTQ+ rights in India
10. Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011)
The Supreme Court legalized passive euthanasia under strict safeguards.
Key Contributions
- Recognized dignity at end of life
- Laid groundwork for Common Cause v. Union of India (2018)
- Affirmed Right to Die with Dignity under Article 21
- Recognized Living Will / Advance Medical Directive