Supreme-Court-of-India
Introduction:
For law students and aspirants preparing for CLAT, AILET, or Judicial Services exams, understanding landmark judgments is as important as studying bare acts. These judgments not only shape Indian constitutional law but also appear frequently in competitive exams.
Here’s a student-friendly guide to the 10 most important Supreme Court judgments, explained in simple language with key takeaways.
1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
• Key Point: Introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine.
• Why Important: Parliament can amend the Constitution, but cannot alter its basic structure.
• Exam Tip: Always link this case with judicial review and constitutional supremacy.
2. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)
• Key Point: Expanded the meaning of Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21).
• Why Important: Due process and fairness became part of Indian law.
• Exam Tip: Connect with “Golden Triangle” – Articles 14, 19, and 21.
3. Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975)
• Key Point: Struck down part of the 39th Constitutional Amendment.
• Why Important: Reaffirmed judicial review and equality before law.
• Exam Tip: Relates to the Emergency era and judicial independence.
4. Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980)
• Key Point: Reaffirmed Basic Structure Doctrine.
• Why Important: Balanced Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.
• Exam Tip: Remember it as a follow-up to Kesavananda Bharati.
5. Shah Bano Case (Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum, 1985)
• Key Point: Muslim women entitled to maintenance under CrPC Section 125.
• Why Important: Sparked debate on Uniform Civil Code (Article 44).
• Exam Tip: Frequently asked in family law and polity questions.
6. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997)
• Key Point: Laid down guidelines to prevent sexual harassment at workplace.
• Why Important: First step towards women’s workplace rights in India.
• Exam Tip: Basis for POSH Act, 2013.
7. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)
• Key Point: Decriminalized homosexuality (Section 377 IPC).
• Why Important: Recognized LGBTQ+ rights under right to equality and dignity.
• Exam Tip: Connect with Article 21 and evolving interpretation of rights.
8. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Oleum Gas Leak, 1986)
• Key Point: Introduced Absolute Liability in environmental law.
• Why Important: Strengthened environmental jurisprudence in India.
• Exam Tip: Compare with Rylands v. Fletcher (Strict Liability).
9. Kesavananda Bharati’s relevance is done — add S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)
• Key Point: Limited misuse of President’s Rule (Article 356).
• Why Important: Strengthened federalism and democracy.
• Exam Tip: A must-know for polity-based questions.
10. Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017)
• Key Point: Recognized Right to Privacy as a Fundamental Right under Article 21.
• Why Important: Key judgment in the Aadhaar case and digital privacy debates.
• Exam Tip: Connect with data protection and cyber laws.
Quick Revision Table
| Case | Year | Key Point | Exam Connection |
| Kesavananda Bharati | 1973 | Basic Structure Doctrine | Constitutional Law |
| Maneka Gandhi | 1978 | Expanded Article 21 | Fundamental Rights |
| Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain | 1975 | Judicial Review | Polity & Emergency |
| Minerva Mills | 1980 | FRs vs DPSPs | Constitutional Balance |
| Shah Bano | 1985 | Maintenance for Muslim women | Family Law |
| Vishaka | 1997 | Workplace harassment guidelines | Women’s Rights |
| Navtej Johar | 2018 | LGBTQ+ rights | Equality |
| M.C. Mehta | 1986 | Absolute Liability | Environmental Law |
| S.R. Bommai | 1994 | President’s Rule | Federalism |
| Puttaswamy | 2017 | Right to Privacy | Cyber & Digital Law |
Conclusion
These landmark judgments are not just exam favorites but also the backbone of Indian constitutional law. If you’re preparing for CLAT, AILET, or Judiciary exams, make sure to memorize the case name, year, and principle.
Pro Tip: Create flashcards or short notes to revise these cases quickly before your exams.
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