What are the ten judgements that changed India

✅The ten judgements that changed India include Kesavananda Bharati, Maneka Gandhi, Shah Bano, S. R. Bommai, Vishaka, Navtej Singh Johar, and more.


The ten judgements that changed India are landmark decisions by the Supreme Court of India that have had a profound impact on the country’s legal and social fabric. These rulings have redefined the interpretation of the Constitution, expanded the scope of fundamental rights, and addressed critical issues affecting the nation. These historic judgements have influenced policies, governance, and the lives of millions of Indians.

In this article, we will delve into the details of these significant judgements, exploring the context in which they were made, the key issues they addressed, and their long-term implications. Understanding these judgements provides valuable insights into the evolution of Indian jurisprudence and the role of the judiciary in shaping the nation’s destiny.

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

This landmark case is known for establishing the Basic Structure Doctrine. The Supreme Court ruled that while Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its basic structure. This judgement protected the fundamental framework of the Constitution and ensured that essential features such as democracy, secularism, and the rule of law could not be abrogated.

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

This case expanded the interpretation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The Supreme Court held that these rights cannot be restricted except through a procedure that is fair, just, and reasonable. This judgement significantly broadened the scope of fundamental rights in India.

3. Shah Bano Case (1985)

In this case, the Supreme Court upheld the right of a Muslim woman to receive alimony from her husband after divorce, under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The judgement sparked a nationwide debate on personal laws and led to the enactment of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986.

4. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)

This judgement was crucial in defining the scope of President’s Rule under Article 356 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court laid down guidelines to prevent the misuse of this provision and ensure that it is used only in cases of genuine constitutional breakdown in a state.

5. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997)

The Vishaka judgement laid down guidelines for protecting women from sexual harassment at the workplace. The Supreme Court recognized sexual harassment as a violation of fundamental rights and directed the establishment of mechanisms to address complaints and prevent harassment.

6. Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992)

This case, also known as the Mandal Commission Case, upheld the reservation of 27% of government jobs for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The Supreme Court also ruled that the total reservation should not exceed 50% and introduced the concept of the «creamy layer» to exclude affluent members of OBCs from the quota benefits.

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

In this case, the Supreme Court held that the right to livelihood is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21. The judgement protected the rights of pavement dwellers against eviction without adequate rehabilitation.

8. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)

This historic judgement decriminalized consensual homosexual acts between adults by striking down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. The Supreme Court recognized the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and affirmed their right to equality and dignity.

9. Sabrimala Case (2018)

In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that the ban on entry of women aged 10 to 50 in the Sabarimala Temple was unconstitutional. The judgement emphasized the principles of gender equality and non-discrimination under the Constitution.

10. Right to Privacy Case (2017)

The Supreme Court declared that the right to privacy is a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution. This judgement has far-reaching implications for issues like data protection, surveillance, and personal freedoms.

Impact of Judicial Decisions on Indian Society

When we talk about the Impact of Judicial Decisions on Indian Society, we are delving into a complex web of legal rulings that have shaped the social, economic, and political landscape of the country. Over the years, several landmark judgments have had a profound influence on various aspects of Indian society, from fundamental rights to social justice.

India has a rich history of judicial activism, with the courts often stepping in to fill gaps left by the legislative and executive branches of the government. These judicial interventions have not only protected the rights of the citizens but have also set important precedents for future cases.

Key Judgments that Shaped India

Let’s explore some of the judgments that have changed India in significant ways:

  1. Roe v. Wade of India: The Suchita Srivastava vs. Chandigarh Administration case in 2009, commonly referred to as the Roe v. Wade of India, affirmed a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her own body, including the right to terminate a pregnancy under certain circumstances.
  2. LGBTQ+ Rights: The Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India judgment in 2018 decriminalized consensual homosexual activities, marking a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
  3. Right to Privacy: In the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India case in 2017, the Supreme Court recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right, impacting various aspects of governance and individual freedoms.

These judgments are just a few examples of how judicial decisions can transform a society by upholding the principles of equality, justice, and liberty. The ripple effects of these landmark rulings are felt not only in the legal realm but also in the everyday lives of Indian citizens.

As we continue to witness the evolution of Indian jurisprudence, it is essential to recognize the pivotal role that the judiciary plays in safeguarding the rights and liberties of the people, thereby contributing to a more just and equitable society.

Landmark Judgements and Their Constitutional Significance

Let’s delve into some of the landmark judgements that have significantly shaped the legal landscape of India and have had a profound constitutional significance:

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

In this historic case, the Supreme Court of India introduced the concept of «Basic Structure Doctrine» which asserts that there are certain fundamental features of the Constitution that cannot be altered by the Parliament.

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

This judgement expanded the scope of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing that the right to life and personal liberty includes the right to travel abroad.

3. Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan (1997)

The Supreme Court laid down guidelines to prevent sexual harassment of women in the workplace, leading to the enactment of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

4. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)

This progressive judgement decriminalized homosexuality in India, striking down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, and recognizing the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

5. Shah Bano Case (1985)

This case highlighted the debate between personal laws and constitutional rights, leading to the enactment of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986.

6. Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967)

In this case, the Supreme Court held that amendments made to the Indian Constitution cannot alter its basic structure, setting a significant precedent for future constitutional amendments.

These judgements have not only influenced legal interpretations but have also had a lasting impact on society and individual rights in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Indian Constitution in shaping the country’s legal framework?

The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of the country and provides the framework for governance, defining the powers of the government and protecting the rights of citizens.

How have landmark judicial decisions influenced social and political change in India?

Landmark judicial decisions have played a crucial role in protecting fundamental rights, promoting social justice, and upholding the rule of law in India.

What role do Public Interest Litigations (PILs) play in the Indian legal system?

PILs allow citizens to seek judicial intervention in matters of public interest, promoting accountability, transparency, and access to justice.

How has the judiciary in India evolved over the years to uphold the principles of justice and equality?

The judiciary in India has evolved to become more proactive in safeguarding constitutional values, promoting judicial activism, and ensuring the independence of the judiciary.

What are some of the key challenges faced by the Indian legal system in ensuring timely justice and access to legal remedies?

Some key challenges include judicial backlog, lack of infrastructure, legal aid accessibility, and the need for judicial reforms to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

How do public perceptions and media influence the judiciary’s role in India?

Public perceptions and media scrutiny can impact judicial decisions, judicial independence, and public trust in the judiciary, highlighting the importance of maintaining judicial integrity and impartiality.

  • Indian Constitution as the supreme law
  • Landmark judicial decisions shaping social and political change
  • Role of Public Interest Litigations (PILs)
  • Evolution of the judiciary in upholding justice and equality
  • Challenges faced by the Indian legal system
  • Influence of public perceptions and media on the judiciary

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