Landmark Cases

Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala

Held that the Preamble is part of the Constitution and that Parliament cannot amend the basic structure, which draws from Preamble values.

S.R. Bommai v. Union of India

Relied on secularism as part of the basic structure reflected in the Preamble while examining President's Rule.

State of West Bengal v. Union of India

Examined federal features while affirming the Union's supremacy under the constitutional scheme.

Berubari Union (Re, Article 143)

Advisory opinion on cession of territory — Parliament's power to alter boundaries requires constitutional amendment.

Rajasthan State Electricity Board v. Mohan Lal

Clarified when statutory bodies act as 'State' under Article 12.

R.D. Shetty v. International Airport Authority

Developed tests for identifying 'other authorities' as State.

E.P. Royappa v. State of Tamil Nadu

Held that equality is antithetical to arbitrariness; arbitrary action violates Article 14.

Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India

Expanded Article 14 to require fair, just, and reasonable procedure — linked with Articles 19 and 21.

Ajaypal Singh v. State of Punjab

Recent reaffirmation of non-arbitrariness standard in service law and classification tests.

Indra Sawhney v. Union of India

Upheld OBC reservations with 50% ceiling and creamy layer concept under equality provisions.

Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India

Decriminalised consensual same-sex relations; dignity and non-discrimination under constitutional equality.

Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras

Early case on freedom of press as part of freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a).

Shreya Singhal v. Union of India

Struck down Section 66A of IT Act; clarified vagueness and overbreadth in speech restrictions.

Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India

Held internet access is protected; restrictions must be necessary, proportionate, and temporary.

Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India

Procedure must be fair, just, and reasonable; Articles 14, 19, and 21 are connected.

K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India

Nine-judge bench held privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21.

Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity v. State of W.B.

Right to emergency medical care is part of right to life.

Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka

Held capitation fees violate right to education before 21A was added.

Society for Unaided Schools v. State of Rajasthan

Upheld RTE Act validity with reasonable restrictions on private schools.

Romesh Thappar / early writ cases

Established Supreme Court's role as guardian of fundamental rights from the republic's early years.

L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India

Held judicial review under Articles 32/226 is part of the basic structure; tribunals cannot oust it entirely.

Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India

Expanded locus standi for PILs on bonded labour using Article 32.

Minerva Mills v. Union of India

Balanced Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles; neither can destroy the other.

Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum

Highlighted tension between personal laws and gender justice; sparked UCC debate.

M.C. Mehta v. Union of India

Invoked duty to protect environment alongside Article 21 in pollution cases.

Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab

President acts on aid and advice of Council of Ministers in most matters.

Keshavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala

Parliament's amending power subject to basic structure — defines limits on legislative supremacy.

Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Assn. v. Union of India

NJAC struck down; collegium system for judicial appointments upheld with reforms direction.