SY

SURABHI YADAVAIR 14· 2025

Question Q.11GS2GS2

The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.

Open scan (p.23)

Main Body

Basic Structure doctrine was first discussed in I.C. Golaknath Case but it was finally consolidated in Keshavananda Bharti Case, 1973. Not codified - Facts & can't be amended, upheld has principle of Constitution. Basic Structure Doctrine act as Constitutional Compass - upheld by the Judiciary, judiciary acts as guardian of the Constitution, ensure people's trust in the Constitution, give relative freedom to the parliament. It has Balanced Parliament's legislative Authority: (1) Wide Interpretation of Art 368 Amending power of constitution Parliament - can amend any part even FR. (2) Governed earlier judicial cases like Golaknath Case - FR can't be amended. (3) Gave scope of DPSP implementation to the Parliament - Art 39bc > Art 14,19, 31. It has also upheld the Constitutional Supremacy: (1) Judicial cases to define the Basic Structure case wide - ensured comprehensive definition. (2) upheld Federalism, Secularism, Separation

143 words1 paragraphs
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Topper

SURABHI YADAV

AIR 142025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Indian Constitution - Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure

Basic Structure Doctrine

Basic Structure as Constitutional Safeguard

Writing Stats

143

Total words

1

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone