Recent and Important Supreme Court Judgements for UPSC

PWOnlyIAS October 18, 2024 03:46 2620 0

Explore recent important Supreme Court judgments crucial for UPSC preparation, covering constitutional law, human rights, environmental issues, and social justice.

The Supreme Court of India has delivered several significant judgments recently that are important for aspirants preparing for the UPSC exams. These rulings have shaped policies, governance, and constitutional law, making them vital for understanding the evolving legal landscape.

For UPSC aspirants, it is crucial to study these judgments as they influence key areas like constitutional law, human rights, environmental law, and social justice. Understanding these rulings can provide context for questions related to governance, polity, and ethics.

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Recent Important Supreme Court Judgements for UPSC

Here’s a table of key recent Supreme Court judgments relevant for UPSC:

Judgment Year Key Highlights
Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India 2023 Appointment of Election Commissioners should involve a panel, ensuring their independence.
Central Vista Project Case 2022 Court upheld the redevelopment project balancing public interest and environmental concerns.
Right to Privacy (Puttaswamy Case) 2017 Reaffirmed Right to Privacy as a fundamental right, affecting policies around data privacy.
Triple Talaq Case 2017 Declared the practice of instant triple talaq unconstitutional, promoting gender equality.

Recent Key Constitutional Law Judgments (2024)

These judgments are vital for understanding how constitutional provisions are applied in contemporary legal challenges, especially in areas like fundamental rights, democratization, and social justice.

Case Name Year Key Takeaways
Demonetization Case 2024 Court upheld the 2016 demonetization, clarifying the role of the Central Government and RBI.
S. 108 Electricity Act Judgment 2024 Clarified the autonomy of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions from government interference.
Persons with Disabilities and Medical Education 2024 Ruled that a disability should not disqualify a candidate from medical education.
Bail under UAPA 2024 Stated that a High Court cannot grant bail under UAPA without clear grounds.
Remission Policy for Convicts 2024 Set guidelines on premature release of convicts, stressing the importance of following policies.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases for UPSC

Here is a curated list of important Supreme Court judgments for UPSC preparation that cover key areas such as constitutional law, social justice, human rights, and environmental issues:

Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)

This judgment introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine, limiting Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution and safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution.

Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)

This case expanded the interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life), ensuring that laws restricting personal liberty must be just, fair, and reasonable.

Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992)

Known as the Mandal Commission case, it upheld reservations for OBCs but introduced the concept of the “creamy layer” exclusion and limited reservations to 50%.

Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997)

This case laid down guidelines to prevent sexual harassment at the workplace, known as the Vishaka Guidelines, which later led to the enactment of a formal law.

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Right to Privacy Case (Puttaswamy v. Union of India, 2017)

The Supreme Court recognized the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21, impacting future policies and laws around privacy.

Human Rights and Social Justice Cases

Human rights and social justice cases are crucial for maintaining equality and upholding the dignity of individuals in society. These landmark judgments by the Supreme Court ensure that marginalized sections are provided protection under the law, addressing issues like gender equality, affirmative action, and protection of civil liberties. 

Mohammed Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum (1985)

The court upheld the right of a Muslim woman to alimony, sparking national debate and paving the way for reforms related to women’s rights.

The judgment recognized transgender individuals as a third gender and emphasized the need for affirmative action and inclusion.

Triple Talaq Case (2017)

The court declared the practice of instant triple talaq unconstitutional, ensuring gender equality and justice within personal laws.

Environmental Law Cases

Environmental law cases are significant for ensuring the balance between development and the protection of natural resources. These judgments have shaped environmental policies in India, safeguarding ecosystems while holding individuals, industries, and governments accountable for environmental degradation.

M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1987)

This case introduced the absolute liability principle for environmental hazards and laid the foundation for stronger environmental laws.

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Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)

The Supreme Court ruled that the Right to Livelihood is an integral part of the Right to Life under Article 21, ensuring protection for the homeless.

These cases are essential for understanding constitutional principles, policy development, and social justice issues. Knowing these judgments helps candidates effectively answer questions related to governance, human rights, and the judiciary during the UPSC exam.

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Important Supreme Court Judgements for UPSC FAQs

Supreme Court judgments shape the legal framework of the country, influencing governance, rights, and policies, making them essential for understanding Indian polity and governance in the UPSC exam.

Many rulings, like those related to privacy or election reforms, guide how policies are formulated, ensuring they are in line with constitutional principles.

Regularly check official Supreme Court portals and credible sources like PWOnlyIAs or PW for updates on landmark rulings.

Subjects like polity, governance, human rights, environment, and social justice are significantly influenced by these rulings.

The Basic Structure Doctrine (from the Kesavananda Bharati case) limits the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution, safeguarding its core principles, which is a frequent topic in UPSC exams.
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