How Indian Courts Interpret Fundamental Rights & Basic Structure Doctrine
By NYAYI Legal Editorial Board•Published: 15 JUNE 2026
Article at a Glance
Kesavananda Bharati (1973): Parliament cannot alter basic structure of Constitution.
Judicial review, supremacy of Constitution, secularism, and judicial independence constitute basic features.
Maneka Gandhi (1978): Expands procedure established by law to include fairness & reasonableness.
Executive Overview
Analyzing landmark Supreme Court rulings (*Kesavananda Bharati*, *Maneka Gandhi*, *Minerva Mills*) that established the Basic Structure Doctrine and purposive interpretation.
Key Takeaways & Practical Takeouts
Constitutional amendments violating basic structure are declared void by Supreme Court.
Fundamental Rights (Part III) and Directive Principles (Part IV) form the core balance.