What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments:
  • Discuss the judgement in Coelho case.
  • Discuss the idea of Judicial Review and Basic Structure.
  • Mention how judicial review evolved to be a part of Basic structure in India.
Answer:

Coelho case is one of the landmark judgments on the interpretation of the doctrine of basic structure of the constitution as laid down in Kesavananda Bharti case.

I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu:

  • In this case, a nine-member bench of Supreme Court held that ninth schedule items are not immune to judicial review as it is part of the constitution.
  • Further, nothing in the Ninth schedule can abrogate fundamental rights as they form basic features of the constitution.
  • The objective behind Article 31B of the Constitution is to remove difficulties and not to wipe out judicial review per se.
  • Therefore every amendment to the constitution including amendment to the Ninth schedule has to be in accordance with the basic structure doctrine.

Doctrine Of Basic Structure:

  • Doctrine of Basic Structure was propounded in KeshavanandaBharti Case.
  • It includes many features – federalism, right to equality, Fundamental Rights, Secularism, independence of Judiciary etc.
  • Judicial Review one of these features is of key importance.
  • It is used to protect the primacy of the constitution against the breach of power by legislatures and executive.
  • Judicial review subjects any tyrannous law to judicial scrutiny which tests it for the violation of all features of the basic structure of the constitution- including abrogation of judicial review itself.
  • 9th Schedule which was introduced by the 1st amendment to protect certain acts in violation of Article 14, 19 and 21 is not immune from judicial review.

The judicial review is of key importance among the basic structure of the constitution as:

  • Judicial review is an effective means to protect the fundamental rights of citizens from legislative oversight.
  • It is used to protect the primacy of the constitution against the breach of power by legislature and executive.
  • Judicial review attains primary importance as it subjects all legislations to close scrutiny adhering to the doctrine of basic structure which includes judicial review itself.
  • Without judicial review, basic structure would be rendered powerless and open to violation by arbitrary or draconian laws.
  • Judicial review is an effective tool for safeguarding the Constitution which becomes extremely necessary keeping in mind the bad experiences of Emergency.

Examples of use of judicial review:

  • Striking down of NJAC (99th constitutional amendment) terming it to be unconstitutional.
  • Establishing the upper limit of reservation to 50% in Indira Sawney case

Therefore, judicial review is a crucial aspect and cornerstone to our constitutional setup. However necessary care should be taken to ensure that judicial review doesn’t lead to judicial overreach which is harmful to a democratic set up like India.

Subscribe
Notify of
5 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
User Avatar
4 years ago

please review…
payment id:MOJO9a29300A6177473

User Avatar
4 years ago

Payment ID:MOJO9b01O00A90839766 Please review

User Avatar
4 years ago

You started introduction by referring to current context of demand of judicial review. This is a good way to write a quick and relevant introduction.
But central theme of this question is Coelho case and you might have started with 9th schedule. But then its ok. Many ways to begin. Size of your introduction is just perfect of exam time scenario.

You have covered all aspects of question separately. This will enable examiner to see quickly that all parts are covered. Good!!

Content is also good with references to Articles, Supreme court judgments and use of examples.
However, I would have liked to see at least one example of law placed under 9th schedule like Land reform laws or Urban land ceiling laws etc.

Please check whether Article 223 is related to judicial review. Probably not.
If you are not sure about article, better not use that instead of being caught wrong on fact!!

Maintain some space while changing from Introduction to Main body to conclusion. That will make all parts of your answer stand out. Currently they look like in continuum.

Good that you used a quick diagram to bring out challenges in judicial review.

Overall good answer.

Keep it up!!

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.

💥Mentorship New Batch Launch
💥Mentorship New Batch Launch