Understanding Landmark Supreme Court Judgments Every Law Student Should Know
To Libra College of law
When you start your journey in law, the world of legal terms, rules & cases can feel a little overwhelming. There’s so much to read & learn, but one thing that can really help you understand the Indian legal system better is knowing about the most important judgments passed by the Supreme Court. These are the moments when the court didn’t just settle a case – they shaped the future of law in India.
These landmark Supreme Court judgments for law students are not just important because they’re famous. They’re important because they set examples. They help us understand how the law works, how the Constitution is interpreted & how justice is delivered in real life. These cases are like building blocks of legal education & without wasting much time, let’s explore a few such judgments that every law student should definitely know.
• Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala (1973)
Let’s start with one of the most talked-about cases in Indian constitutional history. The Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala case introduced a very important idea: the “Basic Structure Doctrine.” Simply put, the court said that while Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, it cannot change its basic structure or core values.
This was a game-changer. It meant that democracy, the rule of law & fundamental rights could never be taken away, no matter what the government wanted. This judgment taught us that even those in power must follow the Constitution. That’s why it’s one of the most significant landmark Supreme Court judgments for law students.
• Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India (1978)
The Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India case gave a whole new meaning to the right to life & personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. The issue was about the government taking away Maneka Gandhi’s passport without giving her a clear reason.
The court used this opportunity to say that no one can be denied their life or freedom without a fair process. This case expanded the idea of personal liberty & stressed that laws must always be just, fair & reasonable. It became a turning point for human rights & civil liberties in India.
• S.R. Bommai vs Union of India (1994)
The S.R. Bommai vs Union of India case talks about the misuse of Article 356, which allows the President to take control of a state if it is not functioning properly. Earlier, this rule was sometimes misused for political reasons.
In this case, the court said that the President’s decision to dismiss a state government is not above the law – it can be checked & reviewed by courts. This helped protect the rights of states & made sure that the central government couldn’t misuse its powers. It’s an important example of how courts maintain balance in our federal system.
• Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan (1997)
The Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan case was a big step forward for women’s safety at work. It all started when a woman was sexually harassed at her workplace & there were no clear laws to protect her.
The court stepped in & created the Vishaka Guidelines, which later became the foundation for a law on preventing sexual harassment at the workplace. It was a bold move that showed how the judiciary can fill legal gaps when needed. This is one of those judgments every law student must know because it’s a perfect example of law evolving with time.
• Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)
The Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation judgment linked the right to livelihood with the right to life. Pavement dwellers in Mumbai were going to be evicted by the municipal authorities & the question was – do they have any rights?
The court said yes. It ruled that taking away someone’s means of earning a living is like taking away their life. This case is a strong reminder that even the poorest citizens deserve dignity & protection under the law. It helped strengthen the human rights framework in India.
• Indira Sawhney vs Union of India (1992)
The Indira Sawhney vs Union of India case is also known as the Mandal Commission Case. It dealt with reservations in jobs & education for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The court agreed with the policy but introduced the concept of the “creamy layer” to ensure that only the genuinely needy benefited.
This judgment created a balance between social justice & equality. It explained how affirmative action should be fair & well-targeted. For students learning about important Supreme Court cases in India, this one is essential to understand the principles behind reservation policies.
• Shah Bano Case (1985)
The Shah Bano case touched on the rights of Muslim women after divorce. Shah Bano, a 62-year-old woman, sought maintenance from her husband under the general law, but personal laws at the time didn’t fully support her.
The court ruled in her favor, saying that all women, regardless of religion, have a right to maintenance under the general law. This created a big debate on the Uniform Civil Code & women’s rights. It’s a crucial case for understanding how personal laws interact with constitutional values.
• Keshav Singh Case (1965)
The Keshav Singh case is about legislative privileges & the power of the judiciary. Keshav Singh criticized a state MLA & was punished by the Assembly. But the court stood firm & said that the actions of the legislature must also follow the Constitution.
This judgment made it clear that no one, not even lawmakers, is above the Constitution. It reinforced the idea that judicial review is a must in a democracy.
• Golaknath vs State of Punjab (1967)
The Golaknath vs State of Punjab case came before the Kesavananda Bharati case. Here, the court said that Parliament cannot amend fundamental rights. This was a bold stand that showed how seriously the courts take individual freedoms.
Though this judgment was later modified, it still holds a key place in Indian legal history. It helped spark the deeper conversation about what Parliament can & cannot do when it comes to fundamental rights.
• Navtej Singh Johar vs Union of India (2018)
The Navtej Singh Johar vs Union of India case struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized same-sex relationships. The court said this law violated the rights to dignity, privacy & equality.
This judgment was more than just a legal decision – it was a message of acceptance & humanity. It became one of the most progressive landmark Supreme Court judgments for law students to understand how the law adapts with time & stands for individual rights.
Conclusion
Every law student needs to look beyond books & dive into real-life cases that changed the course of Indian law. These landmark Supreme Court judgments for law students are more than just stories – they are lessons in justice, fairness & the evolving role of the judiciary in our country.
By studying these judgments every law student must know, one can truly understand how the Constitution is a living document. It’s about how the law protects rights, balances powers & adapts to society’s changing needs. These are not just academic discussions but real cases that affect people’s lives & the nation’s future.
For all those who are serious about a career in law & want to learn these concepts the right way, it’s important to choose a college that emphasizes practical understanding along with theory. One such place is LIBRA College of Law, where students are encouraged to explore such impactful judgments deeply & meaningfully. As the best law college in Dehradun, LIBRA College of Law offers a great environment for anyone who wants to build a strong foundation in the legal field.
