10 Judgements That Changed India
Zia Mody
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973):
Significance: This case is famous for establishing the "basic structure" doctrine, which places limitations on the amending power of the Indian Parliament. The judgment clarified that while Parliament has the authority to amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its basic structure.
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978):
Significance: This case is pivotal for expanding the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) of the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court held that the procedure established by law for depriving a person of their personal liberty must be fair and reasonable.
Mohammed Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum (1985):
Significance: This case deals with the issue of maintenance for divorced Muslim women. It sparked debates on the intersection of personal laws and constitutional rights, particularly in matters of gender justice.
Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985):
Significance: This case addressed the right to livelihood as a part of the right to life under Article 21. The judgment dealt with the eviction of pavement dwellers and established that a person's right to livelihood is an essential aspect of the right to life.
Union Carbide Corporation v. Union of India (1989):
Significance: This case relates to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of the world's worst industrial disasters. The Supreme Court's decisions in this case addressed issues of compensation and corporate liability.
Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992):
Significance: Commonly known as the "Mandal Case," it dealt with reservations in public services for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The Supreme Court upheld the concept of reservations but introduced the concept of the "creamy layer" within OBCs.
Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa (1993):
Significance: This case addressed the issue of custodial deaths and the compensation payable by the state to the victims' families. The Supreme Court recognized that the state is vicariously liable for the actions of its agents and emphasized the need for compensation in cases of custodial deaths.
Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India (1993):
Significance: This case dealt with the independence of the judiciary. The Supreme Court held that the primacy of the Chief Justice of India in matters of judicial appointments is an integral part of maintaining the independence of the judiciary.
Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997):
Significance: This landmark judgment laid down guidelines to address and prevent sexual harassment at the workplace. The court recognized that sexual harassment violates the fundamental rights of equality and right to life and liberty.
Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011):
Significance: This case involved the debate on euthanasia. The Supreme Court, while rejecting active euthanasia, allowed passive euthanasia under certain conditions. It established guidelines for the withdrawal of life support systems under specific circumstances.
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