Judicial Review — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
Supreme Court upholds validity of 103rd Constitutional Amendment providing EWS reservation
November 2022The Supreme Court's decision in Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India to uphold the 103rd Amendment providing 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections demonstrates the continued relevance of judicial review of constitutional amendments. The Court applied the basic structure test established in Kesavananda Bharati, examining whether the amendment violated equality principles or the basic structure of the Constitution. The 3:2 majority judgment showed how judicial review operates in practice, with the Court balancing social justice objectives against constitutional principles. This case illustrates how the basic structure doctrine continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary challenges while maintaining constitutional integrity.
UPSC Angle: Expected questions on basic structure doctrine application, constitutional amendments and judicial review, equality principle, and recent Supreme Court judgments on reservation policies
Supreme Court's intervention in COVID-19 management and fundamental rights protection
May 2021During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court actively exercised judicial review powers to examine government policies on healthcare, oxygen supply, vaccination, and lockdown measures. Cases like In Re: Distribution of Essential Supplies and Services during Pandemic saw the Court reviewing executive actions for constitutional compliance and fundamental rights protection. The Court's suo moto cognizance of issues like migrant workers' rights, healthcare infrastructure, and free speech during the pandemic demonstrated judicial review's role in protecting constitutional values during emergencies. This period highlighted the tension between individual rights and collective welfare, showing how judicial review adapts to extraordinary circumstances while maintaining constitutional supremacy.
UPSC Angle: Questions on judicial review during emergencies, fundamental rights vs state power, suo moto jurisdiction, and constitutional interpretation in crisis situations