History question from High Court exam, 2026 by JKSSB
The "Doctrine of Basic Structure" of the Indian Constitution was established in which landmark case?
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option B —
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
The correct option is B) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala.
Key Details
Year: 1973 (decided by a 13-judge Constitutional Bench with a 7–6 majority)
Significance: The Supreme Court ruled that while Parliament has wide powers to amend the Constitution under Article 368, it cannot alter or destroy its "Basic Structure" (such as democracy, secularism, rule of law, and judicial review).
Overview of Other Options
A) Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967): Ruled that Fundamental Rights were "sacrosanct" and could not be curtailed by Constitutional amendments (a ruling later modified by the Kesavananda Bharati case).
C) Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980): Reaffirmed and applied the Basic Structure doctrine, striking down provisions that gave Parliament unlimited power to amend the Constitution.
D) SR Bommai v. Union of India (1994): Laid down guidelines against the arbitrary imposition of President's Rule (Article 356) and held that secularism is part of the Basic Structure.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
