Landmark Judgments for UPSC Law Optional Subject Exam

There are several case laws and landmark judgments that are important for the UPSC Law Optional Subject Exam. These judgments have not only shaped the legal landscape of India but have also had a significant impact on the interpretation and development of various legal provisions. Here are some of the key cases that you should be aware of:

1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973):
- This landmark judgment dealt with the doctrine of basic structure and held that the Parliament cannot amend the Constitution in a manner that destroys its basic structure.
- The case is significant as it defined the limitations on the amending power of the Parliament and protected the core principles of the Constitution.

2. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978):
- This case expanded the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) and held that the procedure established by law must be fair, just, and reasonable.
- The judgment emphasized the importance of due process and laid down the principle of audi alteram partem (right to be heard) in administrative and quasi-judicial proceedings.

3. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997):
- This judgment recognized sexual harassment at the workplace as a violation of fundamental rights and laid down guidelines to prevent and redress such harassment.
- The case led to the enactment of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, which provides a legal framework for addressing such issues.

4. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985):
- In this case, the Supreme Court held that the right to livelihood is a fundamental right under Article 21.
- The judgment highlighted the importance of providing adequate housing and basic amenities to the urban poor and recognized their right to livelihood.

5. ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (1976):
- This case, also known as the Habeas Corpus case, dealt with the suspension of fundamental rights during the period of Emergency.
- The judgment held that even though the right to life and personal liberty can be suspended during Emergency, it cannot be suspended indefinitely.

6. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1987):
- This case, popularly known as the Taj Trapezium case, dealt with the issue of environmental pollution around the Taj Mahal.
- The judgment highlighted the importance of protecting the environment and led to the establishment of the Taj Trapezium Zone, which restricts industrial activities in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal.

These are just a few examples of the landmark judgments that have shaped the legal framework in India. It is important to study and understand these cases in detail as they form the basis of many legal principles and concepts.