Background:
* In 1971, the Indian government amended the Constitution through the 24th Amendment. This amendment aimed to remove the judicial review power of the Supreme Court over the validity of constitutional amendments.
* This move triggered a major legal challenge, leading to the Kesavananda Bharati case. The petitioner, Swami Kesavananda Bharati, a Hindu monk, argued that the amendment was unconstitutional.
Key Issues and Rulings:
* Basic Structure Doctrine: The Supreme Court, in a 7-6 majority, established the "basic structure doctrine." This doctrine states that while Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its "basic structure" or essential features.
* Limits on Amendment Power: The Court defined certain features of the Constitution as fundamental and unamendable. These included:
* Sovereignty, democracy, secularism, and the rule of law
* Fundamental rights
* Separation of powers
* Validity of the 24th Amendment: The Court declared the 24th Amendment partly invalid. It held that the amendment's attempt to remove judicial review of constitutional amendments was unconstitutional.
* Judicial Review: The Court reaffirmed the role of judicial review as an essential safeguard of the Constitution.
Significance:
* Protection of Constitutional Values: The Kesavananda Bharati case cemented the Supreme Court's role as guardian of the Constitution and its core values.
* Limits on Parliament's Power: It established clear limits on the amendment power of Parliament, preventing arbitrary changes to the basic structure of the Constitution.
* Landmark Ruling: The case is considered a landmark ruling in Indian constitutional law, influencing subsequent judicial interpretations and the evolution of constitutionalism in India.
Impact:
* The basic structure doctrine has been applied in numerous subsequent cases, shaping the interpretation of the Constitution.
* It strengthened the role of the judiciary in safeguarding the Constitution and fundamental rights.
* The case remains a cornerstone of Indian constitutional law, ensuring that the basic structure of the Constitution remains protected from arbitrary changes.