Topic Details (Notes format)

Basic Structure Doctrine

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

Propounded by the Supreme Court in the 1973 “Keshavananda Bharati” case, the doctrine holds that while Parliament can amend most parts of the Constitution, it cannot alter its “basic structure” or essential features. Though not exhaustively defined, key elements include judicial review, federalism, secularism, and the parliamentary form of government. Subsequent judgments expanded the list to include rule of law, freedom, and judicial independence. This doctrine safeguards democracy from potential legislative overreach and preserves constitutional identity. It signifies the judiciary’s pivotal role in maintaining India’s constitutional ethos by striking down amendments that violate core principles.

Practice Questions

In India, the power to declare war and peace is vested in which of the following?

भारतीय संसद में सर्वोच्च विधायी प्राधिकारी कौन है?

राज्यपाल के कर्तव्य किस अनुच्छेद में दिए गए हैं?

Who among the following was the first woman Governor of an Indian state?

राज्यों के अधिकारों का निर्धारण किस आधार पर होता है?

Who was the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

संविधान सभा की बैठकें किस वर्ष प्रारंभ हुई थीं?

निर्वाचन आयोग के अध्यक्ष का कार्यकाल कितना होता है?

राज्यसभा की कार्यप्रणाली किस पर आधारित है?

संघीय परिषद का प्रावधान किस अनुच्छेद में है?