In SR Bommai case (1994), the Supreme Court held that ______ is part of the basic structure of the C…

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In SR Bommai case (1994), the Supreme Court held that ______ is part of the basic structure of the Constitution, and a State government acting against secularism can justify imposition of President's Rule under Article 356.

Federalism
Secularism
Socialism
Democracy

Answer: Secularism

Secularism as basic structure and Emergency justification: (a) SR Bommai holding: Secularism part of basic structure; State government acting against secularism (e.g., promoting religious discrimination, violating constitutional secularism) can justify President's Rule under Article 356, (b) Rationale: (i) Secularism essential to constitutional identity (Preamble, Articles 25-28), (ii) State government violating secularism undermines constitutional machinery, (iii) Union duty to preserve constitutional order, (c) Limits: (i) Violation must be substantial, not minor policy differences, (ii) Floor test still primary method to test majority; secularism violation additional ground, (iii) Judicial review ensures objective assessment, not political misuse, (d) Impact: Curbed arbitrary use of Article 356 for political/ideological reasons; strengthened constitutional secularism. Illustrates basic structure doctrine application: core constitutional values protect federal balance and democratic identity.

Topic Emergency Powers - Article 356 Secularism as Basic Structure

Exam Relevance Secularism and Emergency nexus critical for UPSC Mains and Judiciary exams

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GK Question

In SR Bommai case (1994), the Supreme Court held that ______ is part of the basic structure of the Constitution, and a State government acting against secularism can justify imposition of President's Rule under Article 356.