What according to the Supreme Court constitutes "the basic structure" of our constitution? Please name a couple of important judgements of the Supreme Court on this issue?

Kesavananda Bharati Case1

The Supreme Court identified essential features like supremacy of the Constitution, secularism, federalism, separation of powers, and unity of the nation as inviolable, limiting Parliament’s amending power.

Key Features

Judicial review, rule of law, independence of judiciary, parliamentary system, fundamental rights, and socio-economic justice are integral parts of the basic structure that preserve constitutional spirit.

Important Judgments

Minerva Mills (1980) reinforced the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles; S.R. Bommai (1994) emphasized federalism and secularism; I.R. Coelho (2007) upheld judicial review over Ninth Schedule laws, affirming the doctrine’s continuing relevance.

Judicial Role and Challenges

The Supreme Court acts as guardian of the basic structure through judicial review but the wider judiciary carries heavy pendency, with around 1.82 lakh cases pending for over 30 years in High Courts and district courts, which delays constitutional adjudication and affects timely enforcement of constitutional principles.

Clearer Guidelines

The Court should articulate a more precise framework for identifying the basic structure to reduce ambiguity and enhance predictability in constitutional amendments.

Judicial Strengthening

Addressing judicial vacancies, including 371 vacancies in High Courts, and reducing delays will improve the judiciary’s capacity to uphold the basic structure effectively and ensure timely justice.