Question

Which of the following cases led to the establishment of the "Basic Structure Doctrine"?

• A. Minerva Mills vs. Union of India
• B. Golaknath vs. State of Punjab
• C. Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India
• D. Keshavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala

Hint:

The Kesavananda Bharati case is arguably the most important decision in the history of the Indian Constitution. For exams, remember it as the "Basic Structure Case". It created a balance between Parliament's power to amend and the need to preserve the core identity of the Constitution.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The "Basic Structure Doctrine" is a landmark judicial principle in Indian constitutional law that states that the Parliament of India's power to amend the Constitution is not unlimited. It cannot amend or abrogate the "basic features" or the fundamental framework of the Constitution.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's examine the role of each case:

(A) Minerva Mills vs. Union of India (1980): This case strengthened and clarified the Basic Structure Doctrine. The Supreme Court struck down clauses of the 42nd Amendment that gave unlimited amending power to Parliament, stating that "limited amending power" is itself a basic feature of the Constitution.
(B) Golaknath vs. State of Punjab (1967): In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that Parliament could not amend Fundamental Rights. This set the stage for a conflict between Parliament and the judiciary, but it did not establish the Basic Structure Doctrine itself.
(C) Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India (1978): This case vastly expanded the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) by introducing the concept of "procedure established by law" being fair, just, and reasonable. It is not related to the establishment of the Basic Structure Doctrine.
(D) Keshavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala (1973): This is the historic case where the Supreme Court, by a narrow majority of 7-6, propounded the Basic Structure Doctrine for the first time. It overruled the Golaknath decision but held that while Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution (including Fundamental Rights), it cannot alter its "basic structure" or framework.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Basic Structure Doctrine was established in the seminal case of Keshavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala.