From Shankari Prasad to Present: Parliamentary Amending Power, Framework Gaps, Elements, and Basic Structure Impact
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37591/njrel.v9i1.2039Keywords:
Doctrine of basic structure, amendment, parliamentary supremacy, Indian constitution, judicial review, fundamental rights, landmark cases, abstraction problemAbstract
This paper examines the evolution, application challenges and the impacts of the basic structure doctrine. It also traces the vision of the constitution framers to maintain the unity and integrity of the country. The paper also analyses the development of the doctrine through cases such as Shankari Prasad v. Union of India (1951), Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), and Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017). Moreover, it investigates the problems, including Variation in Court Decisions, Unclear Boundaries for Parliament, and challenges in Balancing Conflicting Constitutional Values. The paper not only inculcates the problems but also provides the solutions by suggesting Sovereign, Democratic, and Republican Nature, Secularism, and Welfare State Principles, etc, to inculcate in the basic structure doctrine framework. The paper concludes with several impacts of the basic structure doctrine, notably Protecting National Unity, Safeguarding Democracy, Preserving Secularism and Fundamental Rights.
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