GK Question

polity hard mcq

In which recent case did the Supreme Court reaffirm that the 'basic structure doctrine' limits even constitutional amendments, striking down provisions that undermined judicial independence?

  1. Kesavananda Bharati case (1973)
  2. NJAC judgment (2015)
  3. Minerva Mills case (1980)
  4. Waman Rao case (1981)

Answer: NJAC judgment (2015)

Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India (NJAC case, 2015): Reaffirmed Kesavananda Bharati (1973) basic structure doctrine. Held: (a) Judicial independence is part of basic structure, (b) 99th Amendment (NJAC) giving executive role in judicial appointments threatens independence, (c) Primacy of judiciary in appointments essential for separation of powers. Struck down NJAC, reinstated collegium system. Landmark application of basic structure to protect institutional integrity against constitutional amendment.

Topic Basic Structure Doctrine - Recent Applications
Exam Relevance Basic structure doctrine application question critical for UPSC Mains and Judiciary exams