ABSTRACT

This chapter presents an overview of five landmark judgements of the Indian Supreme Court. Kesavananda Bharati v. the State of Kerala establishes the ‘basic structure’ doctrine which holds that the essential principles of the Constitution are beyond amendment by Parliament. Mohammed Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum was again a landmark case for here the Supreme Court ruled that Muslim women can file petitions for divorce. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation case was significant for it was ruled that Article 21 which grants right to life also includes the right to livelihood. Indra Sawhney v. The Union of India laid down a basic and central judicial decision with respect to the constitutionality of reservation. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan led to the state laying down rules to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.