नवनीत कौर बनाम दिल्ली राज्य (भुल्लर मामला)
Curative Petition (Crl.) No. 88 of 2013 — Supreme Court of India
Inordinate delay in disposal of mercy petition and mental illness are supervening circumstances for commutation of death sentence, applicable to all cases including TADA.
Read Full Analysisउप पुलिस महानिरीक्षक बनाम एस. समुत्तिरम
(2013) 1 SCC 598 — Supreme Court of India
Directions issued to combat eve-teasing nationwide — deployment of plain-clothed female police, CCTV installation, complaint committees in all institutions.
Read Full Analysisअमरनाथ तीर्थस्थान मामला (स्वतः संज्ञान)
(2013) 3 SCC 247 — Supreme Court of India
Right to life under Article 21 includes right to live with dignity, safety, and clean environment. Religious tourism must balance with environmental protection.
Read Full Analysisसहारा इंडिया रियल एस्टेट बनाम सेबी
AIR 2012 SC 3829 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)
Right to free trial and right to free press must be balanced. Courts can impose reasonable restrictions on media reporting to protect fair trial rights.
Read Full Analysisरामलीला मैदान घटना मामला
(2012) 5 SCC 1 — Supreme Court of India
Right to peaceful protest and assembly is a fundamental right. Police use of force against sleeping protesters at midnight was unconstitutional.
Read Full Analysisनर्मदा बचाओ आंदोलन बनाम मध्य प्रदेश राज्य (PIL)
AIR 2011 SC 1989, (2011) 7 SCC 639 — Supreme Court of India
Rules relating to maintainability of PIL explained — PIL must not be used for personal gain or as a publicity tool. Courts must scrutinize bona fides of PIL petitioners.
Read Full Analysisअरुणा शानबाग बनाम भारत संघ (मृत्यु का अधिकार)
(2011) 4 SCC 454 — Supreme Court of India
Passive euthanasia is permissible in India under strict guidelines. Active euthanasia remains illegal. Right to die with dignity is recognized.
Read Full Analysisएस. खुशबू बनाम कन्नियम्मल
AIR 2010 SC 3196, (2010) 5 SCC 600 — Supreme Court of India
Freedom of speech includes the right to express views on social issues. Media must follow responsible reporting guidelines for sub-judice matters.
Read Full Analysisनाज़ फाउंडेशन बनाम दिल्ली सरकार
2010 CriLJ 94, (2009) 3 RCR (Criminal) 523 — Delhi High Court (Division Bench)
Section 377 IPC unconstitutional insofar as it criminalizes consensual sexual acts between adults in private. Right to privacy and dignity includes sexual orientation.
Read Full Analysisआई.आर. कोएल्हो बनाम तमिलनाडु राज्य
AIR 2007 SC 861, (2007) 2 SCC 1 — Supreme Court of India (9-Judge Constitution Bench)
Laws placed in the Ninth Schedule after 24 April 1973 are subject to judicial review if they violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
Read Full Analysisएपुरू सुधाकर बनाम आंध्र प्रदेश सरकार
2006 AIR (SC) 3385, (2006) 8 SCC 161 — Supreme Court of India
Presidential/Governor's pardon power is not immune from judicial review. Pardon can be cancelled if obtained by fraud, misrepresentation, or non-application of mind.
Read Full Analysisभारत संघ बनाम लोकतांत्रिक सुधार संघ
AIR 2002 SC 2112, (2002) 5 SCC 294 — Supreme Court of India
Citizens have a fundamental right to know the antecedents of election candidates — criminal record, assets, liabilities, and educational qualifications must be disclosed.
Read Full Analysisनर्मदा बचाओ आंदोलन बनाम भारत संघ (बांध मामला)
AIR 2000 SC 3751, (2000) 10 SCC 664 — Supreme Court of India
Large dam construction permitted subject to compliance with environmental conditions, proper rehabilitation of displaced persons, and monitoring by authorities.
Read Full Analysisविनीत नारायण बनाम भारत संघ (हवाला मामला)
AIR 1998 SC 889, (1998) 1 SCC 226 — Supreme Court of India
CBI must be insulated from political pressure. CVC given statutory status. Directions issued for independence of investigating agencies in cases against powerful persons.
Read Full Analysisडी.के. बसु बनाम पश्चिम बंगाल राज्य
AIR 1997 SC 610, (1997) 1 SCC 416 — Supreme Court of India
Comprehensive guidelines for arrest and detention to prevent custodial violence. Compensation for violation of fundamental rights during custody.
Read Full Analysisसमता बनाम आंध्र प्रदेश राज्य
AIR 1997 SC 3297, (1997) 8 SCC 191 — Supreme Court of India
Transfer of tribal land to non-tribals including mining companies is prohibited in Scheduled Areas. Right to livelihood of tribals is not mere survival but life with dignity.
Read Full Analysisविशाखा बनाम राजस्थान राज्य
(1997) 6 SCC 241, AIR 1997 SC 3011 — Supreme Court of India
Sexual harassment at workplace defined and guidelines issued (Vishaka Guidelines). Right to work with dignity is a fundamental right under Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21.
Read Full Analysisचमेली सिंह बनाम उत्तर प्रदेश राज्य
AIR 1996 SC 1051, (1996) 2 SCC 549 — Supreme Court of India
Right to shelter is a fundamental right under Article 21. Right to livelihood includes the right to adequate housing as part of the right to live with dignity.
Read Full Analysisकॉमन कॉज बनाम भारत संघ
AIR 1996 SC 3081 — Supreme Court of India
Political parties must maintain accounts and disclose sources of funding. Transparency in election funding is essential for democracy.
Read Full Analysisसरला मुद्गल बनाम भारत संघ
AIR 1995 SC 1531 — Supreme Court of India
A Hindu converting to Islam solely to contract a second marriage commits bigamy under Section 494 IPC. Strong call for Uniform Civil Code under Article 44.
Read Full Analysisआर. राजगोपाल बनाम तमिलनाडु राज्य
AIR 1995 SC 264, (1994) 6 SCC 632 — Supreme Court of India
Right to privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21. Once a matter becomes part of public record, the right to privacy no longer subsists.
Read Full Analysisसूचना प्रसारण मंत्री बनाम बंगाल क्रिकेट संघ
AIR 1995 SC 1236, (1995) 2 SCC 161 — Supreme Court of India
Airwaves are public property. Broadcasting freedom is part of freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a). Government monopoly over broadcasting is unconstitutional.
Read Full Analysisउपभोक्ता शिक्षा एवं अनुसंधान केंद्र बनाम भारत संघ
(1995) 3 SCC 42 — Supreme Court of India
Right to life under Article 21 includes right to health, hygienic working conditions, and medical care during and after employment. Employers must ensure safe working conditions.
Read Full Analysisनिलाबती बेहरा बनाम उड़ीसा राज्य
AIR 1993 SC 1960 — Supreme Court of India
State is liable to pay compensation for custodial death as a public law remedy under Article 32/226, independent of any civil or criminal proceedings.
Read Full Analysisउन्नी कृष्णन बनाम आंध्र प्रदेश राज्य
(1993) 1 SCC 645 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)
Right to education is a fundamental right flowing from Article 21. Every child has a right to free education up to the age of 14 years.
Read Full Analysisए.आर. अंतुले बनाम आर.एस. नायक
AIR 1992 SC 1701 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)
Right to speedy trial is a fundamental right under Article 21. Guidelines laid down for determining when delay violates this right.
Read Full Analysisपं. परमानंद कटारा बनाम भारत संघ
(1989) 4 SCC 286 — Supreme Court of India
Every doctor has a professional obligation to provide immediate medical treatment to an injured person. No procedural law can interfere with this humanitarian duty.
Read Full Analysisकेहर सिंह बनाम भारत संघ
AIR 1989 SC 653, (1989) 1 SCC 204 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)
Presidential pardon power under Article 72 is wide enough to examine even the merits of the conviction. The President can go into the evidence and re-examine the case.
Read Full Analysisरमेश दलाल बनाम भारत संघ (तमस मामला)
AIR 1988 SC 775, (1988) 1 SCC 668 — Supreme Court of India
Screening of a film depicting partition violence (Tamas) is within the ambit of freedom of expression. Cannot be banned merely because it may offend some groups.
Read Full Analysisसचिदानंद पांडेय बनाम पश्चिम बंगाल राज्य
(1987) 2 SCC 295 — Supreme Court of India
Courts should give due regard to environmental protection. When government takes a conscious decision aware of environmental implications, courts will not interfere unless mala fides proved.
Read Full Analysisडॉ. उपेंद्र बक्शी बनाम उत्तर प्रदेश राज्य (II)
(1986) 4 SCC 106 — Supreme Court of India
State directed to constitute Board of Visitors and formulate rehabilitation programme for inmates of protective homes. Living conditions must meet basic human dignity.
Read Full Analysisभारत के महान्यायवादी बनाम लछमा देवी
AIR 1986 SC 467 — Supreme Court of India
Execution of death sentence by public hanging is barbaric, inhuman, and violative of Article 21. Public hanging is unconstitutional regardless of any Jail Manual provision.
Read Full Analysisशीला बार्से बनाम भारत संघ
(1986) 3 SCC 632 — Supreme Court of India
Children cannot be kept in jails. Directions issued for establishment of juvenile courts, children's homes, and appointment of duty counsel for children in conflict with law.
Read Full Analysisओल्गा टेलिस बनाम बॉम्बे म्युनिसिपल कॉर्पोरेशन
AIR 1986 SC 180, (1985) 3 SCC 545 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)
Right to livelihood is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21. Pavement dwellers cannot be evicted without due process and alternative arrangements.
Read Full Analysisमोहम्मद अहमद खान बनाम शाह बानो बेगम
AIR 1985 SC 945 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)
A divorced Muslim woman is entitled to maintenance under Section 125 CrPC. Personal law cannot override statutory provisions meant to prevent destitution.
Read Full Analysisइंडियन एक्सप्रेस न्यूज़पेपर्स बनाम भारत संघ
AIR 1986 SC 515, (1985) 1 SCC 641 — Supreme Court of India
Freedom of press is an integral part of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a). Government cannot impose excessive taxes or duties to cripple newspapers.
Read Full Analysisनीरजा चौधरी बनाम मध्य प्रदेश राज्य
(1984) 3 SCC 243 — Supreme Court of India
Release of bonded labourers without rehabilitation is cruelty. The State must ensure identification, release AND rehabilitation of bonded labourers.
Read Full Analysisबंधुआ मुक्ति मोर्चा बनाम भारत संघ
(1984) 3 SCC 161 — Supreme Court of India
PIL can be initiated by any public-spirited person. Court need not follow adversarial procedure in PIL. Bonded labour system violates Articles 21 and 23.
Read Full Analysisटी.वी. वतीश्वरन बनाम तमिलनाडु राज्य
AIR 1983 SC 361 — Supreme Court of India
Delay exceeding two years in execution of death sentence entitles the prisoner to invoke Article 21 for commutation to life imprisonment.
Read Full Analysisडॉ. उपेंद्र बक्शी बनाम उत्तर प्रदेश राज्य (I)
(1983) 2 SCC 308 — Supreme Court of India
Inmates of protective homes have a right to live with dignity under Article 21. State must ensure proper management, medical facilities, and humane conditions.
Read Full Analysisबचन सिंह बनाम पंजाब राज्य
AIR 1982 SC 1325, (1982) 3 SCC 24 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)
Death penalty is constitutional but must be imposed only in the "rarest of rare" cases. Life imprisonment is the rule; death sentence is the exception.
Read Full Analysisएस.पी. गुप्ता बनाम भारत संघ (न्यायाधीश तबादला मामला)
AIR 1982 SC 149 — Supreme Court of India (7-Judge Bench)
Any member of the public can file PIL for enforcement of fundamental rights. Concept of locus standi broadened. Judicial independence and appointment process examined.
Read Full Analysisखत्री (II) बनाम बिहार राज्य
(1981) 1 SCC 635 — Supreme Court of India
Right to free legal aid is a constitutional obligation. Magistrates must inform accused of this right at first production. State cannot plead financial inability.
Read Full Analysisकिशोर सिंह बनाम राजस्थान राज्य
AIR 1981 SC 625 — Supreme Court of India
Solitary confinement and use of iron fetters on prisoners is inhuman and violates Article 21. To be resorted to only in the rarest of rare cases.
Read Full Analysisप्रेम शंकर शुक्ला बनाम दिल्ली प्रशासन
AIR 1980 SC 1535, (1980) 3 SCC 526 — Supreme Court of India
Handcuffing of prisoners is prima facie inhuman and unconstitutional under Article 21 except in extreme circumstances with recorded reasons.
Read Full Analysisहुसैनआरा खातून (III) बनाम गृह सचिव, बिहार राज्य
(1980) 1 SCC 93 — Supreme Court of India
Undertrials who have served more than the maximum sentence for their alleged offence must be released. Women in "protective custody" must be freed and sent to welfare homes.
Read Full Analysisमिनर्वा मिल्स बनाम भारत संघ
AIR 1980 SC 1789, (1980) 3 SCC 625 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)
The 42nd Amendment provisions giving Parliament unlimited amending power and excluding judicial review are unconstitutional. Balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles is part of basic structure.
Read Full Analysisहुसैनआरा खातून (V) बनाम गृह सचिव, बिहार राज्य
AIR 1979 SC 1360 — Supreme Court of India
Right to speedy trial is a fundamental right under Article 21. Accused should be released on personal bond without sureties if they have community ties and no risk of absconding.
Read Full Analysisएम.एच. होस्कोट बनाम महाराष्ट्र राज्य
(1978) 3 SCC 544 — Supreme Court of India
Right to free legal aid is a fundamental right under Article 21. Jail authorities must provide copy of judgment to prisoners in time to file appeal. State must provide free legal services.
Read Full Analysisमनेका गाँधी बनाम भारत संघ
AIR 1978 SC 597 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)
Article 21 requires procedure to be fair, just, and reasonable — not merely "procedure established by law." Articles 14, 19, and 21 are interconnected and form a golden triangle.
Read Full Analysisसुनील बत्रा बनाम दिल्ली प्रशासन
AIR 1978 SC 1675, (1978) 4 SCC 494 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)
Prisoners retain their fundamental rights behind bars. Prison walls do not keep out fundamental rights. Solitary confinement and bar fetters violate Article 21.
Read Full Analysisकेशवानंद भारती बनाम केरल राज्य
AIR 1973 SC 1461, (1973) 4 SCC 225 — Supreme Court of India (13-Judge Bench)
Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution but cannot alter its basic structure. The basic structure doctrine is the most significant constitutional principle in India.
Read Full Analysisमाधवराव सिंधिया बनाम भारत संघ
AIR 1971 SC 530 — Supreme Court of India (11-Judge Bench)
The President cannot unilaterally derecognize rulers and abolish privy purses without constitutional amendment. Executive action cannot override constitutional guarantees.
Read Full Analysisसतवंत सिंह साहनी बनाम डी. रामरत्नम
AIR 1967 SC 1836 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)
Right to travel abroad is a fundamental right under Article 21. Refusal or impounding of passport without following due process violates Articles 14 and 21.
Read Full Analysisमद्रास राज्य बनाम चंपकम दोराइराजन
AIR 1951 SC 226 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)
Communal reservation in educational institutions based on caste/religion violates fundamental right to equality. Fundamental Rights prevail over Directive Principles.
Read Full Analysisरमेश थप्पर बनाम मद्रास राज्य
AIR 1950 SC 124 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)
Freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) includes freedom of press and circulation of publications. Restrictions must fall within Article 19(2).
Read Full Analysis