The Bold and the Unprecedented: 7 Memorable Verdicts by Indian Judiciary -written by Poonam Chanchlani (BCA, Data Science)

India's judiciary has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's legal framework through landmark verdicts that have left an indelible mark on society. From defining the boundaries of constitutional amendments to safeguarding individual liberties, here are some of the most memorable cases that have transformed India's legal landscape.

 

1. Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala (1973):   A turning point in Indian jurisprudence, this case introduced the "Basic Structure Doctrine." The Supreme Court ruled that certain core elements of the Constitution are beyond the scope of amendment by the Parliament. This decision safeguarded fundamental rights and established a foundation for protecting the Constitution's integrity.
 

2. Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India (1978):  This case widened the ambit of Article 21, emphasizing that the right to personal liberty includes the right to travel abroad. The court's stance on "procedure established by law" as just, fair, and reasonable set a precedent for individual rights.
 

3. Vishakha vs. State of Rajasthan (1997):  In response to a grave incident of workplace sexual harassment, this case led to the formulation of guidelines to prevent and address such issues. It laid the groundwork for the subsequent Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act.

 

4. Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union of India (2018):  A historic verdict that struck down Section 377, decriminalizing consensual homosexual acts. This judgment marked a significant step toward equality and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community.

 5. Sabarimala Temple Entry Case (2018):  This case centered on the entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala Temple. The court upheld gender equality and challenged age-old practices based on discrimination.

 

6. Aadhaar Case (2018):  This verdict upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar while setting boundaries on its usage to protect citizens' privacy. The ruling underscored the balance between technology and individual rights.

 

7. Reservation in Promotions Case (2019): The court reaffirmed the importance of affirmative action by upholding the constitutionality of reservations in promotions for marginalized communities, promoting social justice.

 

These cases signify the judiciary's role as a guardian of justice and equality. They reflect the evolution of Indian society and its aspirations, reminding us that the law is a dynamic instrument for progress.