Important Landmark Judgments for Law Optional Subject:

1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973):
This case is significant as it introduced the concept of "basic structure" of the Constitution. The Supreme Court held that the Parliament cannot amend the Constitution in such a manner that it destroys its basic structure. It reinforced the doctrine of judicial review and limited the amending power of the Parliament.

2. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978):
This case expanded the scope of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The Supreme Court held that the right to life includes the right to live with dignity and the right to travel abroad. It established the principle of due process and held that any law depriving a person of his personal liberty must be just, fair, and reasonable.

3. Shah Bano v. Mohd. Ahmed Khan (1985):
This case dealt with the issue of maintenance for Muslim women after divorce. The Supreme Court held that Muslim women are entitled to maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, irrespective of their personal law. It led to significant debates on the uniform civil code and women's rights.

4. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997):
In this case, the Supreme Court laid down guidelines to prevent sexual harassment of women at the workplace. These guidelines, known as the Vishaka Guidelines, provided a framework for employers to prevent and address cases of sexual harassment. It was a significant step towards ensuring gender equality and creating a safe working environment for women.

5. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018):
This case decriminalized consensual same-sex relationships between adults. The Supreme Court struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized homosexuality. It was a landmark judgment for LGBTQ+ rights and recognized the importance of individual autonomy and dignity.

6. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017):
The Supreme Court declared the right to privacy as a fundamental right under the Constitution. It held that privacy is intrinsic to the dignity and autonomy of an individual. This judgment has far-reaching implications for various issues, including surveillance, data protection, and personal freedoms.

These landmark judgments have shaped and influenced the legal landscape of India, ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and promoting social justice. They are essential for any student studying law as an optional subject for UPSC exams.