Landmark Case: Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
By FairLex Editorial | February 15, 2026 · 1 min read
The Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) case is arguably the most significant constitutional law case in Indian legal history. This landmark judgment established the Basic Structure Doctrine, which limits Parliament's power to amend the Constitution.
Background
His Holiness Kesavananda Bharati Sripadagalvaru, the head of the Edneer Mutt in Kerala, challenged the Kerala Land Reforms Act, which restricted his property rights. The case was heard by the largest ever Constitutional Bench of 13 judges.
The Basic Structure Doctrine
By a narrow 7-6 majority, the Supreme Court held that while Parliament has wide powers to amend the Constitution under Article 368, it cannot alter or destroy the "basic structure" of the Constitution. The basic structure includes:
- Supremacy of the Constitution
- Republican and democratic form of government
- Secular character of the Constitution
- Separation of powers
- Federal character of the Constitution
- Judicial review
Legacy
This doctrine has been reaffirmed in numerous subsequent cases and serves as the bedrock of Indian constitutional jurisprudence. It ensures that the fundamental character of the Constitution remains inviolable.