⚖️ Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) – The Judgment That Saved the Constitution

  Introduction The Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala case is arguably the most significant constitutional decision in Indian legal history . Decided by a 13-judge bench of the Supreme Court in 1973, this landmark judgment led to the creation of the Basic Structure Doctrine , a concept that has shaped the interpretation and protection of the Indian Constitution ever since. The decision was a response to a broader debate: Can Parliament amend any part of the Constitution, including the Fundamental Rights? The answer laid the foundation for constitutional supremacy, the limits of legislative power, and the judiciary's role as guardian of the Constitution. This blog will explore the background, arguments, verdict, implications, and lasting impact of this iconic case. Background of the Case Swami Kesavananda Bharati was the head of the Edneer Mutt, a religious institution in Kerala. In 1970, he filed a petition challenging the Kerala Land Reforms Act , which aimed to redistribute...