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Landmark Judgments

The Evolution of Law

A chronological journey through the Supreme Court verdicts that shaped the Indian Constitution.

1950Verdict

A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras

Procedure Established by Law

SC held that Article 21 is available only against arbitrary executive action and not against arbitrary legislative action.

Impact: Narrow interpretation of Article 21.
1951Verdict

State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan

Reservations

SC struck down caste-based reservations in professional colleges, leading to the 1st Constitutional Amendment.

Impact: Led to addition of Art 15(4).
1967Verdict

I.C. Golaknath v. State of Punjab

Fundamental Rights are Sacrosanct

SC ruled that Parliament cannot amend Fundamental Rights.

Impact: Restricted Parliament's power under Art 368.
1973Verdict

Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala

Basic Structure Doctrine

Largest bench (13 judges). Overruled Golaknath. Parliament can amend any part of Constitution but cannot alter its 'Basic Structure'.

Impact: The most critical safeguard of the Constitution.
1978Verdict

Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India

Due Process of Law

SC widened Article 21. 'Procedure established by law' must be just, fair, and reasonable. Similar to 'Due Process'.

Impact: Expanded scope of Personal Liberty.
1980Verdict

Minerva Mills v. Union of India

Harmony between FR and DPSP

SC struck down clauses of 42nd Amendment that gave unlimited power to Parliament. Established Constitution is supreme, not Parliament.

Impact: Reaffirmed Basic Structure.
1985Verdict

Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum

Uniform Civil Code / Maintenance

SC upheld right of Muslim women to maintenance under CrPC 125.

Impact: Sparked debate on UCC and led to 1986 Act.
1992Verdict

Indra Sawhney v. Union of India

Mandal Commission Case

Upheld 27% OBC reservation but capped total reservation at 50%. Introduced 'Creamy Layer' exclusion.

Impact: Defined reservation limits.
1994Verdict

S.R. Bommai v. Union of India

President's Rule (Art 356)

SC laid down guidelines for imposing President's Rule. Federalism and Secularism declared Basic Structure.

Impact: Checked misuse of Art 356.
2017Verdict

K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India

Right to Privacy

9-judge bench declared Right to Privacy as a Fundamental Right under Article 21.

Impact: Impacts data protection, surveillance, and personal autonomy.

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