Supreme Court Justice Manmohan recently emphasised that the historic Kesavananda Bharati ruling played a decisive role in safeguarding the longevity of India’s Constitution. He noted that the judgment, which introduced the “basic structure doctrine,” created a vital constitutional safeguard by ensuring that although Parliament may amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its core identity.
Justice Manmohan explained that the verdict struck a careful balance between adaptability and stability. It enabled the Constitution to grow with the nation’s needs while preventing any attempt to undermine essential principles such as democracy, judicial independence, federalism, and fundamental rights.
He added that the doctrine has acted as a protective shield during moments of political pressure, ensuring that no authority can use constitutional amendments to weaken foundational values. This, he said, is why India’s constitutional system has endured — even during times of significant upheaval.
According to Justice Manmohan, the Kesavananda Bharati judgment is now recognized globally as a milestone in constitutional jurisprudence, demonstrating India’s leadership in shaping legal principles that protect democratic frameworks.
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