SUPREME COURT OF INDIA | Top 10 Landmark Judgements

In this article, we will explore 10 landmark judgement of the Supreme Court that have played a crucial role in shaping legal history in India.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

India has a rich and diverse legal history, shaped by numerous landmark cases that have significantly influenced the country's legal system and social fabric. These cases have addressed fundamental rights, constitutional principles, and societal issues, leaving a lasting impact on the development of Indian law. The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial body in the country and serves as the final court of appeal. Established on January 28, 1950, it plays a pivotal role in interpreting and safeguarding the Constitution of India.

 

LANDMARK JUDGEMENTS

 

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

 

The Kesavananda Bharati case is one of the most significant cases in Indian constitutional history. The Supreme Court's judgment established the "Basic Structure Doctrine," which limits the Parliament's power to amend the Constitution. It held that certain essential features of the Constitution are beyond the amending power of the legislature, preserving the core values and principles of the Indian Constitution.

 

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

 

The Maneka Gandhi case marked a turning point in Indian jurisprudence regarding the right to personal liberty. The Supreme Court held that the right to travel abroad was a fundamental right and expanded the scope of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. The case emphasized that any procedure that affects personal liberty must be fair and just.

 

3. Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan (1997)

 

Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan was a landmark case concerning sexual harassment in the workplace. The Supreme Court laid down guidelines known as the "Vishakha Guidelines," providing a framework to prevent and address workplace harassment, promoting a safe working environment for women across the country.

 

4. Shah Bano Case (1985)

 

The Shah Bano case sparked intense debates on the issue of Muslim women's rights to maintenance after divorce. The Supreme Court held that Muslim women were entitled to maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, irrespective of the Muslim Personal Law. The case raised discussions about the balance between personal laws and fundamental rights, leading to the enactment of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986.

 

5. Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967)

 

The Golaknath case had far-reaching implications on the amending power of the Indian Parliament. The Supreme Court ruled that the Parliament could not amend fundamental rights and the basic structure of the Constitution. This decision was later modified by the Twenty-Fourth Amendment Act, 1971, and the Constitution (Twenty-Fifth Amendment) Act, 1971, which allowed the Parliament to amend any part of the Constitution, including fundamental rights.

 

6. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)

 

Olga Tellis v. BMC was a crucial case concerning the right to livelihood and homelessness. The Supreme Court held that the right to livelihood was a part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The judgment highlighted the state's responsibility to protect the fundamental rights of the homeless and pavement dwellers.

 

7. ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (1976)

 

ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla, also known as the "Habeas Corpus Case," dealt with the suspension of fundamental rights during the Emergency in India (1975-1977). The Supreme Court's decision held that during the Emergency, the right to move to court for habeas corpus (the right to be produced before a court) was suspended. The case brought to light the importance of safeguarding individual liberties during extraordinary situations.

 

8. Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum (1985)

 

The Mohd. Ahmed Khan case addressed the issue of maintenance for divorced Muslim women. The Supreme Court held that Muslim women could claim maintenance beyond the iddat period (the waiting period after divorce) under the provisions of Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The case sparked debates on gender justice and the need to reform personal laws.

 

9. I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu (2007)

 

The I.R. Coelho case reaffirmed the doctrine of basic structure and held that constitutional amendments are subject to judicial review if they violate the Constitution's basic structure. The case emphasized the judiciary's role in protecting the Constitution's integrity and upholding its core principles.

 

10. Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India (1984)

 

The Bandhua Mukti Morcha case addressed the issue of bonded labor in India. The Supreme Court's judgment expanded the definition of "forced labor" under Article 23 of the Constitution to include bonded labor, contributing to the eradication of this exploitative practice.

 

CONCLUSION

 

These ten landmark cases have significantly influenced India's legal history, shaping constitutional principles, protecting fundamental rights, and addressing societal issues. The decisions rendered in these cases have guided subsequent judgments and legislative reforms, contributing to the evolution of India's legal system. As India continues to progress, these landmark cases serve as reminders of the judiciary's crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all citizens.

 

There are numerous landmarks judgement of the Supreme Court where the Hon’ble Supreme Court addresses remarkable precedent.