GK Question

polity hard mcq

The 'Basic Structure Doctrine' limiting Parliament's amending power was propounded by the Supreme Court in which landmark case?

  1. Golaknath case (1967)
  2. Kesavananda Bharati case (1973)
  3. Minerva Mills case (1980)
  4. Waman Rao case (1981)

Answer: Kesavananda Bharati case (1973)

Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): 13-judge bench held Parliament can amend any part of Constitution but cannot alter its 'basic structure'. Basic features include: supremacy of Constitution, republican/democratic form, secularism, federalism, separation of powers, judicial review, rule of law, individual dignity. Landmark judgment balancing parliamentary sovereignty with constitutional supremacy.

Topic Basic Structure Doctrine - Origin
Exam Relevance Landmark constitutional law question essential for UPSC Mains and Judiciary exams