Practical Legal Guidance
Basic Structure Doctrine
The judicially-evolved doctrine that Parliament's power to amend the Constitution does not extend to altering its basic structure.
Authoritative Sources & Provenance
Primary Source: NextCaseHQ Internal Legal Knowledge Draft (general legal knowledge, not independently Bare-Act-verified) (NextCaseHQ)
Verified Authorities
- Kesavananda Bharati Sripadagalvaru v. State of Kerala — (1973) 4 SCC 225; AIR 1973 SC 1461
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Basic Structure doctrine?
The Basic Structure doctrine, established in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, holds that Parliament's power to amend the Constitution under Article 368 cannot be used to alter or destroy the Constitution's basic structure or essential features, such as judicial review and federalism.
General legal information for reference only, reviewed for accuracy but not a substitute for advice from a qualified advocate on your specific facts.