Law is a dynamic field that evolves through judicial decisions. For every aspiring lawyer or law student, understanding landmark judgments is essential. These decisions not only shape the legal landscape but also offer deep insights into the working of the Indian judiciary. Here’s a curated list of the Top 10 Landmark Judgments every law student must know.
1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
Significance: Introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine
This historic judgment limited the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution. The Supreme Court ruled that while Parliament can amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its “basic structure,” including elements like the rule of law, separation of powers, and fundamental rights.
2. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)
Significance: Expanded the interpretation of Article 21
This case revolutionized the meaning of “personal liberty.” The court ruled that the procedure established by law must be “just, fair and reasonable,” paving the way for a more humane interpretation of the Constitution.
3. Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum (1985)
Significance: Highlighted women’s rights in maintenance
This case dealt with the right of a Muslim woman to claim maintenance from her husband after divorce. It created a national debate on secularism and the need for a Uniform Civil Code.
4. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997)
Significance: Protection against sexual harassment at workplace
The Supreme Court laid down the Vishaka Guidelines for preventing sexual harassment at the workplace, which later became the basis for the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
5. Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967)
Significance: Ruled that fundamental rights cannot be amended
The court held that Parliament could not amend Part III of the Constitution, which contains fundamental rights. This case set the stage for the later Kesavananda Bharati case.
6. Indira Sawhney v. Union of India (1992)
Significance: Validated OBC reservations
Commonly known as the Mandal Commission case, this judgment upheld 27% reservation for OBCs but capped the total reservations at 50%, which is still followed.
7. ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (1976)
Significance: A dark phase for civil liberties
During the Emergency, the court controversially held that fundamental rights could be suspended. This judgment was later criticized and overruled by future benches, reinforcing the inviolability of Article 21.
8. Naz Foundation v. Government of NCT of Delhi (2009)
Significance: Decriminalized homosexuality (temporarily)
The Delhi High Court decriminalized consensual homosexual acts under Section 377 IPC, laying the groundwork for future LGBTQ+ rights, although the judgment was overturned and then re-affirmed later by the Supreme Court.
9. Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017)
Significance: Right to Privacy as a Fundamental Right
This judgment declared privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21, impacting various issues like Aadhaar, data protection, and surveillance.
10. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)
Significance: Section 377 declared unconstitutional
The Supreme Court finally struck down parts of Section 377, decriminalizing homosexuality and affirming the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Final Thoughts
These landmark judgments are more than just legal precedents—they’re milestones in the journey of Indian democracy and constitutional law. Understanding their nuances helps law students not just in exams, but also in developing a strong legal mindset. Stay updated, read judgments in full, and analyze the reasoning behind them to sharpen your legal acumen.