Indian Moral Thinkers — Landmark Cases

Landmark Cases

Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala

1973

This landmark judgment established the doctrine of 'basic structure' of the Constitution, which reflects principles from Indian moral philosophy. The Court held that certain…

Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India

1978

This judgment expanded the interpretation of 'life' and 'liberty' in Article 21 of the Constitution to include dignity and quality of life, not merely biological existence. The…

Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan

1997

This judgment established guidelines for prevention of sexual harassment at workplace, recognizing the right to dignity and safe working conditions as part of the right to life.…

Suresh Kumar Koushal v. Naz Foundation

2013

This judgment upheld Section 377 of the IPC criminalizing consensual same-sex relationships, which was later overturned in 2018. The case is significant for UPSC preparation…

Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation

1985

This judgment recognized the right to livelihood as part of the right to life, reflecting Gandhian principles of Sarvodaya (welfare of all) and the principle that the State must…