Landmark Judgments Every CLAT Aspirant Should Know

Preparing for the CLAT exam isn’t just about memorizing facts and formulas. It’s also about understanding the very foundation of India’s legal system, its evolution, and how it governs us. One of the best ways to connect with the Indian Constitution and legal system is by diving into landmark judgments. These judgments are not just pieces of legal history; they are the very building blocks of Indian law that every law aspirant must understand.

Don’t stress, though! We’re not here to overwhelm you with an impossible task. Think of this blog as a simple guide to help you get familiar with some key judgments that can play a vital role in your CLAT preparation. We’ll also add just a little bit of humor, but nothing too crazy, just enough to keep you awake through those late-night study sessions.

1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)

One of the most famous judgments, Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, gave rise to the Basic Structure Doctrine, which asserts that while Parliament can amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its basic structure. Imagine it like rearranging your room: you can change the furniture and repaint the walls, but you can’t knock down the walls themselves. This judgment preserved the sanctity of the Constitution and ensured that the essential principles, like democracy, secularism, and the rule of law, remain intact. With these details, also stay updated on all details about the CLAT exam.

2. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)

Maneka Gandhi’s passport was seized without adequate explanation, which led her to challenge the government’s actions. The Maneka Gandhi case significantly expanded the interpretation of Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The court ruled that this right isn’t just about being alive but includes the right to live with dignity. This landmark case broadened our understanding of human rights in India.

3. Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975)

This case involved a challenge to the election of Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India. The court ruled against her and upheld the principle of judicial review, which means that no one, not even the Prime Minister, is above the law. It was a significant reinforcement of judicial independence in India, especially during the Emergency period when democratic rights were at risk. This case showed that the judiciary could stand firm, even under intense political pressure.

4. Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum (1985)

This case is a classic example of women’s rights and personal laws clashing. Shah Bano, a Muslim woman, filed for maintenance after her divorce, and the court ruled in her favor, extending the right to maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). This judgment sparked a national debate about secularism and gender justice and highlighted the need for reform in personal laws for women’s protection.

5. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1987)

This case brought attention to industrial pollution after a hazardous gas leak in Delhi. The court developed the concept of absolute liability, meaning that industries dealing with hazardous materials are strictly liable for any damages caused by accidents, no matter the circumstances. This case laid down important principles of environmental law in India, reminding us that businesses can’t escape responsibility, especially when public health is at risk.

6. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997)

In this case, the Supreme Court laid down the Vishaka Guidelines after a woman named Bhanwari Devi was sexually assaulted while working as a social worker. Since there was no specific law on workplace sexual harassment at the time, the court took it upon itself to create a framework to prevent such incidents. These guidelines later led to the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act in India. This judgment was a landmark moment for women’s rights in India.

7. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)

The Navtej Singh Johar case is a milestone for the LGBTQ+ community in India. The court decriminalized Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which had previously criminalized consensual homosexual activity. The judgment reinforced the rights of individuals to equality, privacy, and dignity. This case showcased how the Constitution evolves with changing societal values and was a huge step forward in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in India.

8. Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017)

In this case, the Supreme Court upheld the right to privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court ruled that every individual has the right to control their personal information and make choices about their life, body, and data. This judgment became particularly relevant in the digital age, as it safeguards your data against exploitation - something that all of us can relate to, especially with the rise of social media and online platforms.

9. Golak Nath v. State of Punjab (1967)

The Golak Nath case was one of the early landmark judgments regarding constitutional amendments. The court ruled that Parliament could not amend Fundamental Rights, and these rights were inviolable. Although this judgment was later overruled by the Kesavananda Bharati case, it sparked an important debate on the relationship between Fundamental Rights and the amendment power of Parliament.

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10. Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980)

This case reinforced the Basic Structure Doctrine and also clarified that Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) must be in harmony. The court ruled that the balance between the two is essential for the survival of a just society. In simple terms, it said that neither your rights nor your duties should be ignored. They need to work together for a better, fairer nation.

11. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)

The S.R. Bommai case addressed the misuse of President’s Rule under Article 356 of the Constitution. The court ruled that the power of the President to dissolve the state government must be used responsibly and cannot be based on political motivations. The court introduced the idea of floor tests to determine the majority of the ruling party, protecting the federal structure of India.

12. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)

The Olga Tellis case is significant because it highlighted the right to livelihood as part of the right to life under Article 21. The court ruled that the government could not evict pavement dwellers without providing alternative housing or rehabilitation. This judgment solidified the importance of human dignity and social justice in the Constitution.

13. Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala (2018)

In the Sabarimala case, the court allowed women of menstruating age to enter the Sabarimala temple, which had previously imposed a ban. The ruling emphasized gender equality and upheld the Constitution’s commitment to secularism and freedom of religion. It was a brave step in challenging traditional practices that went against the spirit of equality.

14. Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)

This case resulted in the striking down of Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, which had been used to arrest individuals for posting “offensive” content online. The Supreme Court protected the right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a), especially in the digital age. This case is a great reminder that while the law protects freedom of speech, it also guards us against abuse and harm.

15. Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011)

In a compassionate decision, the court allowed passive euthanasia in cases where individuals are in a persistent vegetative state, but only under strict guidelines. This ruling focused on the right to die with dignity and addressed ethical concerns about the value of life and suffering. While the topic remains sensitive, the case brought essential discussions about life, dignity, and ethics into the courtroom.

16. Daniel Latifi v. Union of India (2001)

This case involved a divorced Muslim woman’s right to maintenance. The court clarified that divorced women are entitled to reasonable provision for their future, ensuring that justice for women is not limited by personal laws. It reinforced that personal laws must align with constitutional principles, particularly equality and justice.

17. Union of India v. Association for Democratic (2002)

This judgment allowed voters to know the criminal, financial, and educational backgrounds of candidates running for elections. It made the right to information a powerful tool for voter empowerment, improving transparency in Indian elections and reinforcing the idea that informed voting is a fundamental part of democracy.

18. State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951)

This case addressed the issue of reservation policies in educational institutions. It led to the First Constitutional Amendment and clarified that reservation policies should not violate the principle of equality. It paved the way for a more balanced approach toward social justice and affirmative action in India.

19. Rajagopal v. State of Tamil Nadu (1994)

This judgment protected freedom of the press and the right to privacy by allowing the publication of biographies based on public records. It established the balance between media rights and an individual’s right to privacy, a delicate issue in the age of social media and digital publishing.

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20. State of Rajasthan v. Union of India (1977)

This judgment reinforced the federal structure of India by ruling that the Centre cannot arbitrarily control states. It is a testament to the autonomy of states within the Indian Union, ensuring that India’s federal system functions smoothly without excessive centralization.

Why These Judgments Matter for CLAT

In CLAT, you don’t just need to memorize facts. You need to understand legal principles, apply reasoning, and connect cases to current issues. These landmark judgments help sharpen your legal reasoning and improve your reading comprehension for passages related to Indian law, the Constitution, and politics.

Every time you read these judgments, you’re not just preparing for CLAT. You’re also training yourself to think like a future lawyer. So, keep going, because the more you understand the law, the better you’ll perform - not just in CLAT, but in your future legal career!

Final Words

Yes, these judgments might sound complicated at first, but don’t worry! With consistent effort and an open mind, you’ll start seeing patterns in the law and how it evolves. Remember, every great lawyer was once in your shoes, feeling like they’d never understand all the intricacies. But with time, practice, and determination, you’ll not only understand these judgments - you’ll be ready to apply them in the real world.

So, take a deep breath, and keep pushing forward. You’ve got this!