{"id":1844,"date":"2023-02-23T17:28:25","date_gmt":"2023-02-23T11:58:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/?p=1844"},"modified":"2026-10-16T06:58:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T01:28:00","slug":"judicial-review-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/judicial-review-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Judicial Review In India: Importance, Landmark Cases And Criticism"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"clf-keyfacts\" style=\"border:1px solid #d9d2c5;background:#faf7f2;border-radius:6px;padding:14px 18px;margin:0 0 24px\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;font-weight:700\">Judicial review in India at a glance<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:20px\">\n<li><strong>Meaning:<\/strong> the power of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/special-leave-petition-slp-meaning-features-process-and-who-can-file-it\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"15\" title=\"Special Leave Petition: Meaning, Features, Process and Who can file it ?\">Supreme Court<\/a> and High Courts to examine whether a law, an executive act or a constitutional amendment conforms to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/category\/indian-constitution-1950\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"17\" title=\"constitution\">Constitution<\/a>, and to declare it void if it does not.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Constitutional basis:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/understanding-article-13-of-the-indian-constitution\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"55\" title=\"Understanding Article 13 of the Indian Constitution\">Articles 13<\/a> (laws inconsistent with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/fundamental-rights-and-duties-in-indian-constitution\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"18\" title=\"Fundamental Rights and Duties in Indian Constitution: Explained in Detail\">fundamental rights<\/a> are void), 32 and 226 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/lawyer-for-writ-petition\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"16\" title=\"Writ Petition - Types, Important Judgements, How and When to File | Lawyer for Writ Petition\">writ<\/a> jurisdiction), 227 (supervision of subordinate courts and tribunals), 131\u2013136 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/special-leave-petition-slp-meaning-features-process-and-who-can-file-it\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"15\" title=\"Special Leave Petition: Meaning, Features, Process and Who can file it ?\">Supreme Court<\/a>&#8217;s original and appellate jurisdiction), 141\u2013142 (binding precedent and complete justice) and 245\u2013246 (legislative competence).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Three objects of review:<\/strong> legislation (competence and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/fundamental-rights-and-duties-in-indian-constitution\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"18\" title=\"Fundamental Rights and Duties in Indian Constitution: Explained in Detail\">fundamental rights<\/a>), administrative action (illegality, irrationality, procedural impropriety, proportionality) and constitutional amendments (basic structure, since <em>Kesavananda Bharati<\/em>, 1973).<\/li>\n<li><strong>A basic feature:<\/strong> judicial review cannot be taken away even by constitutional amendment \u2013 <em>Minerva Mills<\/em> (1980), <em>L. Chandra Kumar<\/em> (1997), <em>I.R. Coelho<\/em> (2007).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limits:<\/strong> courts do not sit in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/review-revision-appeal-cpc-crpc\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"32\" title=\"Review, Revision, Appeal in CPC and CrPC : Complete Analysis\">appeal<\/a> over policy, do not substitute their view for the legislature&#8217;s wisdom, and leave &#8220;political questions&#8221; alone unless a constitutional limit is crossed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Reviewed and updated by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"49\" title=\"Century Law Firm\">Century Law Firm<\/a>, Delhi \u2013 October 2026. Statutory references are to the Acts as in force on that date.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/category\/indian-constitution-1950\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"17\" title=\"constitution\">Constitution of India<\/a> provides for an independent judiciary that acts as a guardian of the Constitution and protects the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/fundamental-rights-and-duties-in-indian-constitution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rights<\/a> of the citizens. One of the key functions of the judiciary is to ensure that the laws passed by the legislature and the actions of the executive are in line with the Constitution. This is known as judicial review, and it is an essential feature of the Indian Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Judicial review in India stands as a cornerstone of the Constitution, ensuring that both legislative and executive actions conform to the constitutional framework. This vital process, inspired by the U.S. system yet uniquely tailored to the Indian context, serves as a guardian of citizens&#8217; rights and a bulwark against arbitrary governance. In this exploration, we delve into the multifaceted nature of judicial review, tracing its historical origins, understanding its expansive scope, and appreciating its profound impact on India&#8217;s legal landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the concept of judicial review in India, including its history, scope, and limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">History of Judicial Review in India<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The concept of judicial review originated in the United States, where the Supreme Court established its authority to strike down laws that were in violation of the US Constitution. In India, the concept of judicial review was borrowed from the US Constitution, but it was adapted to suit the Indian context. US Constitution is one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/sources-of-indian-constitution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sources of Indian Constitution<\/a>. The genesis of judicial review in India can be traced back to the influence of the U.S. Constitution. However, India has adapted this concept to fit its unique constitutional and societal fabric. This historical journey reflects India&#8217;s commitment to a dynamic and evolving judicial system, capable of addressing the complexities of a diverse and populous democracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike the United States, where judicial review was asserted by the court itself in <em>Marbury v. Madison<\/em> (1803), India wrote it into the text: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/understanding-article-13-of-the-indian-constitution\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"55\" title=\"Understanding Article 13 of the Indian Constitution\">Article 13<\/a> declares laws inconsistent with the fundamental rights void, and Articles 32 and 226 give the Supreme Court and the High Courts the power to enforce them. The Supreme Court exercised the power in its very first year, striking down parts of press-control and detention laws in <em>Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras<\/em> and <em>Brij Bhushan v. State of Delhi<\/em> (1950). Whether constitutional <em>amendments<\/em> could also be reviewed took longer to settle: <em>Shankari Prasad<\/em> (1951) and <em>Sajjan Singh<\/em> (1965) held that an amendment is not &#8220;law&#8221; under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/understanding-article-13-of-the-indian-constitution\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"55\" title=\"Understanding Article 13 of the Indian Constitution\">Article 13<\/a>, <em>Golak Nath<\/em> (1967) held the opposite, and <em>Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala<\/em> (1973) produced the compromise that still governs \u2013 Parliament may amend any provision, but not so as to damage the basic structure of the Constitution. <em>Minerva Mills<\/em> (1980) then held that judicial review is itself part of that basic structure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scope of Judicial Review in India<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scope of judicial review in India is quite broad, and it covers not only the laws passed by the legislature but also the actions of the executive. The courts have the power to strike down any law that is in violation of the Constitution, and they can also issue <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/lawyer-for-writ-petition\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"16\" title=\"Writ Petition - Types, Important Judgements, How and When to File | Lawyer for Writ Petition\">writs<\/a> like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/legal-maxim-of-the-day-13\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"116\" title=\"Habeas Corpus - Legal Maxim of the Day\">Habeas Corpus<\/a>, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/legal-maxims-explained\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"113\" title=\"Legal Maxims Explained: Meanings, Origins and Use in Indian Courts\">Quo Warranto<\/a> to protect the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/fundamental-rights-and-duties-in-indian-constitution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fundamental rights<\/a> of the citizens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Constitution provides for five types of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/lawyer-for-writ-petition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">writs<\/a>, which are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/legal-maxim-of-the-day-13\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"116\" title=\"Habeas Corpus - Legal Maxim of the Day\">Habeas Corpus<\/a> &#8211; a writ that is issued to produce a person who has been detained unlawfully.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mandamus &#8211; a writ that is issued to compel a public official to perform a duty that they are required to perform by law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prohibition &#8211; a writ that is issued to prevent a lower court or tribunal from exceeding its jurisdiction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certiorari &#8211; a writ that is issued to quash the order of a lower court or tribunal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/legal-maxims-explained\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"113\" title=\"Legal Maxims Explained: Meanings, Origins and Use in Indian Courts\">Quo Warranto<\/a> &#8211; a writ that is issued to inquire into the legality of a person holding a public office.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Limitations of Judicial Review in India<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the scope of judicial review in India is quite broad, there are certain limitations to this power. The Constitution provides for certain immunities and privileges for the President, Governors, and Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. The courts cannot inquire into the acts of these individuals unless they have acted in their personal capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, the courts cannot interfere with the policy decisions of the executive unless they are in violation of the Constitution. The courts also cannot question the wisdom or correctness of a policy decision taken by the executive, as long as it is within the framework of the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Significance of Judicial Review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Judicial review is a crucial aspect of the Indian Constitution as it allows the judiciary to act as a check on the legislative and executive branches of the government. It ensures that the government functions within the limits set by the Constitution and that the rights of the citizens are protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Judicial review also promotes the rule of law and helps to maintain the balance of power between the three branches of the government. It is an essential mechanism to protect the Constitution and its principles, and to ensure that they are upheld in the face of changing circumstances and challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Initiated by an aggrieved party&#8217;s petition, the judicial review process in India encompasses preliminary scrutiny, comprehensive hearings, and a final judgment. This rigorous procedure reflects the judiciary&#8217;s commitment to safeguarding constitutional governance and citizens&#8217; rights. The process of judicial review in India involves the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Initiation: The process of judicial review is initiated when a person or a group of persons aggrieved by a law or executive action files a petition before a court of law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preliminary Scrutiny: The court examines the petition to determine whether it is admissible or not. The court may reject the petition at this stage if it finds that the petitioner does not have the necessary standing to challenge the law or executive action in question.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hearings: If the court finds that the petition is admissible, it will conduct hearings to examine the merits of the case. During the hearings, the petitioner presents arguments to support their case, and the government or the agency responsible for the law or executive action defends it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Judgment: After hearing the arguments, the court will deliver its judgment. If the court finds that the law or executive action is unconstitutional or beyond the powers granted by the Constitution, it will strike it down. If the court finds that the law or executive action is constitutional and within the powers granted by the Constitution, it will uphold it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Implementation: Once the court has delivered its judgment, the government or the agency responsible for the law or executive action is required to comply with it. If the court has struck down a law or executive action, the government may be required to modify or repeal the law, or to take other steps to ensure compliance with the court&#8217;s judgment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to note that the process of judicial review in India can be a time-consuming and expensive process. However, it is a crucial mechanism that ensures that the government functions within the limits set by the Constitution and respects the fundamental rights of citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Landmark Cases of Judicial Review in India<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indian judicial history is replete with landmark cases where judicial review has played a pivotal role. From the assertion of the Parliament&#8217;s amendment power in &#8216;Shankari Prasad v. Union of India&#8217; to the seminal &#8216;Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala&#8217; case, which established the &#8216;Basic Structure&#8217; doctrine, these cases exemplify judicial review&#8217;s transformative impact. Over the years, there have been several landmark cases where the Indian judiciary has exercised its power of judicial review to strike down laws that were in violation of the Constitution. Some of these cases are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967): In this case, the Supreme Court held that the Parliament did not have the power to amend the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution. This decision was later overturned by the 24th Amendment to the Constitution, which allowed the Parliament to amend any part of the Constitution, including the Fundamental Rights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): This case is considered to be one of the most significant cases in the history of judicial review in India. In this case, the Supreme Court held that there were limitations on the amending power of the Parliament and that the basic structure of the Constitution could not be altered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): In this case, the Supreme Court held that the right to travel abroad was a part of the right to personal liberty under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/article-21-of-the-indian-constitution\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"54\" title=\"Article 21 of the Indian Constitution: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty\">Article 21<\/a> of the Constitution. This decision expanded the scope of the right to personal liberty and protected it from arbitrary restrictions by the government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997): In this case, the Supreme Court recognized sexual harassment at the workplace as a violation of the fundamental rights of women. The court laid down guidelines for employers to prevent and redress such harassment at the workplace.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grounds of judicial review of administrative action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the challenge is to a government decision rather than to a statute, Indian courts apply the grounds first classified by Lord Diplock in the <em>GCHQ<\/em> case (1984) and adopted in <em>Tata Cellular v. Union of India<\/em> (1994):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Illegality<\/strong> \u2013 the authority misread the law, acted without power, took irrelevant considerations into account or ignored relevant ones, or acted for an improper purpose.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Irrationality<\/strong> \u2013 the decision is so unreasonable that no sensible authority could have reached it (<em>Wednesbury<\/em> unreasonableness), or is arbitrary and therefore offends <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/article-14-of-theindian-constitution\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"56\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;In-Depth Analysis of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution&lt;\/strong&gt;\">Article 14<\/a> (<em>E.P. Royappa<\/em>, 1974; <em>Shayara Bano<\/em>, 2017, extending &#8220;manifest arbitrariness&#8221; to legislation).<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Procedural impropriety<\/strong> \u2013 breach of natural justice (no notice, no hearing, a biased decision-maker) or of a mandatory statutory procedure.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Proportionality<\/strong> \u2013 where fundamental rights are restricted, the court asks whether the measure pursues a legitimate aim, is suitable and necessary, and strikes a fair balance (<em>Modern Dental College v. State of M.P.<\/em>, 2016; <em>K.S. Puttaswamy<\/em>, 2017; <em>Anuradha Bhasin<\/em>, 2020).<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Legitimate expectation<\/strong> \u2013 a promise or consistent practice by the State may not be departed from without a fair hearing or an overriding public interest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court reviews the <em>decision-making process<\/em>, not the merits: it will quash a flawed decision and remit it, but will not ordinarily take the decision itself. Contracts and tenders are reviewed on these grounds too, with deference to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/commercial-courts-act-2015-ultimate-guide-for-businesses-legal-professionals\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"69\" title=\"Commercial Courts Act, 2015: Ultimate Guide for Businesses &amp; Legal Professionals\">commercial<\/a> judgment (<em>Tata Cellular<\/em>; <em>BALCO Employees&#8217; Union<\/em>, 2002, on disinvestment policy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Judicial review of constitutional amendments and the Ninth Schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After <em>Kesavananda Bharati<\/em>, every amendment is testable against the basic structure \u2013 a list the Court has never closed but which includes supremacy of the Constitution, democracy and free elections, secularism, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/justice-beyond-boundaries-evolution-of-judicial-activism-in-india\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"146\" title=\"JUSTICE BEYOND BOUNDARIES: EVOLUTION OF JUDICIAL ACTIVISM IN INDIA\">separation of powers<\/a>, federalism, the rule of law, judicial review and the independence of the judiciary. <em>Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain<\/em> (1975) struck down an amendment that sought to immunise the Prime Minister&#8217;s election from challenge; <em>Minerva Mills<\/em> (1980) struck down the parts of the 42nd Amendment that put amendments beyond review; <em>I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu<\/em> (2007) held that even laws placed in the Ninth Schedule after 24 April 1973 are open to challenge if they damage the basic structure; and <em>Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India<\/em> (2015) struck down the 99th Amendment and the National Judicial Appointments Commission to protect judicial independence. The <em>Kihoto Hollohan<\/em> (1992) and <em>Nabam Rebia<\/em> (2016) decisions show the same power applied to the Speaker&#8217;s and Governor&#8217;s functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recent landmarks (2017\u20132025)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Shayara Bano v. Union of India<\/em> (2017) \u2013 instant triple <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/muslim-divorce-lawyer\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"28\" title=\"Muslim Divorce in India - Procedure, How to file | Muslim Divorce Lawyer\">talaq<\/a> set aside; manifest arbitrariness recognised as a ground to strike down legislation under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/article-14-of-theindian-constitution\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"56\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;In-Depth Analysis of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution&lt;\/strong&gt;\">Article 14<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><em>K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India<\/em> (2017, 2018) \u2013 privacy recognised as a fundamental right; Aadhaar Act upheld in part, Section 57 struck down.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><em>Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India<\/em> (2023) \u2013 the Court filled a legislative gap by directing that Election Commissioners be appointed on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/legal-consultancy-services\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"140\" title=\"Expert Legal Consultation in a Wide Range of Areas\">advice<\/a> of a committee including the Chief Justice until Parliament legislated, illustrating both the reach and the temporary nature of judicial directions.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><em>In re Article 370 of the Constitution<\/em> (December 2023) \u2013 the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir&#8217;s special status was upheld, with the Court reviewing the exercise of the President&#8217;s powers under Articles 356 and 370 but finding no constitutional breach.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><em>Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India<\/em> (February 2024) \u2013 the Electoral Bond Scheme and the related amendments to the Representation of the People Act, the Companies Act and the Income-tax Act were struck down for violating the voters&#8217; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/the-right-to-information-act-rti-in-india\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"39\" title=\"The Right to Information Act (RTI) in India: Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Government\">right to information<\/a> under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/article-19-of-the-indian-constitution-a-comprehensive-analysis\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"57\" title=\"Article 19 of the Indian Constitution: A Comprehensive Analysis\">Article 19<\/a>(1)(a).<\/li>\n\n\n<li><em>State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh<\/em> (August 2024) and <em>Property Owners&#8217; Association v. State of Maharashtra<\/em> (November 2024, nine judges) \u2013 review of long-standing precedents on sub-classification of Scheduled Castes and on what counts as &#8220;material resources of the community&#8221; under Article 39(b).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The remedies used to invoke this power are explained in our guides to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/lawyer-for-writ-petition\/\">writ petitions<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/public-interest-litigation-pil\/\">public interest litigation<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/special-leave-petition-slp-meaning-features-process-and-who-can-file-it\/\">special leave petitions<\/a>; the rights most often enforced are covered in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/fundamental-rights-and-duties-in-indian-constitution\/\">Fundamental rights and duties<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/understanding-article-13-of-the-indian-constitution\/\">Article 13<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Criticism of Judicial Review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While judicial review is an essential aspect of the Indian Constitution, it has also been subject to criticism from various quarters. Some of the common criticisms of judicial review in India are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unelected Judges: One of the primary criticisms of judicial review is that it gives unelected judges the power to strike down laws enacted by the elected representatives of the people. Critics argue that this undermines the democratic process and leads to a situation where a small group of judges can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/legal-maxims-explained\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"133\" title=\"Legal Maxims Explained: Meanings, Origins and Use in Indian Courts\">veto<\/a> the decisions of the elected representatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/justice-beyond-boundaries-evolution-of-judicial-activism-in-india\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"146\" title=\"JUSTICE BEYOND BOUNDARIES: EVOLUTION OF JUDICIAL ACTIVISM IN INDIA\">Judicial Overreach<\/a>: Another criticism of judicial review is that it can lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/justice-beyond-boundaries-evolution-of-judicial-activism-in-india\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"146\" title=\"JUSTICE BEYOND BOUNDARIES: EVOLUTION OF JUDICIAL ACTIVISM IN INDIA\">judicial overreach<\/a>, where the judiciary starts encroaching upon the domain of the legislative and executive branches of the government. Critics argue that this can lead to an imbalance in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/justice-beyond-boundaries-evolution-of-judicial-activism-in-india\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"146\" title=\"JUSTICE BEYOND BOUNDARIES: EVOLUTION OF JUDICIAL ACTIVISM IN INDIA\">separation of powers<\/a> and lead to a situation where the judiciary becomes too powerful.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delay and Expense: Critics also argue that the process of judicial review can be time-consuming and expensive, which can result in delayed justice for the citizens. This can be particularly problematic in cases where the government is trying to implement urgent policy measures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of Accountability: Critics argue that the judiciary is not accountable to the people in the same way as the elected representatives of the people. They argue that since the judges are appointed through a collegium system, they are not accountable to the citizens, and their decisions cannot be easily challenged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limited Expertise: Critics argue that judges may not have the necessary expertise to make decisions in certain complex policy areas, such as economics or science. This can result in suboptimal policy outcomes and can limit the government&#8217;s ability to implement effective policies.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In conclusion, while judicial review is a crucial aspect of the Indian Constitution, it has also been subject to criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that it undermines the democratic process, can lead to judicial overreach, and may be time-consuming and expensive. However, supporters of judicial review argue that it is necessary to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and ensure that the government functions within the limits set by the Constitution. Ultimately, the balance between these two perspectives will depend on how well the judiciary can strike a balance between protecting the Constitution and respecting the democratic process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In conclusion, judicial review is an essential feature of the Indian Constitution that ensures that the laws passed by the legislature and the actions of the executive are in line with the Constitution. The courts have the power to strike down any law that is in violation of the Constitution, and they can also issue writs to protect the fundamental rights of the citizens. While the scope of judicial review is quite broad, there are certain limitations to this power, which are necessary to maintain a balance between the three organs of the state &#8211; the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. Judicial review is a crucial aspect of the Indian Constitution that allows the judiciary to act as a check on the legislative and executive branches of the government. It ensures that the government functions within the limits set by the Constitution and that the rights of the citizens are protected. While the scope of judicial review is quite broad, there are certain limitations to this power, which are necessary to maintain a balance between the three organs of the state &#8211; the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. Judicial review has played a significant role in shaping the Indian legal system and protecting the rights of its citizens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Judicial Review:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: What is judicial review in India?<\/strong> <strong>A:<\/strong> Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to review and potentially invalidate laws or executive actions that are deemed unconstitutional or beyond the powers granted to the government by the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: Why is judicial review important in India? A:<\/strong> Judicial review is important in India because it acts as a check on the legislative and executive branches of the government, ensuring that they do not exceed their constitutional limits and infringe upon the fundamental rights of citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: What are some landmark cases related to judicial review in India? A:<\/strong> Some landmark cases related to judicial review in India include the Kesavananda Bharati case, the Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain case, and the Minerva Mills v. Union of India case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: Can the judiciary strike down any law or executive action it deems unconstitutional? A:<\/strong> No, the judiciary can only strike down laws or executive actions that are found to be unconstitutional according to the provisions of the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: Is judicial review an exclusively Indian concept? A: <\/strong>No, judicial review is a concept that is practiced in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: What is judicial review in the context of the Indian Constitution?<\/strong> <strong>A:<\/strong> Judicial review is a process where the judiciary ensures that laws passed by the legislature and actions of the executive are in line with the Constitution. It&#8217;s a key function of the judiciary, acting as a guardian of the Constitution and protecting citizens&#8217; rights\u200b<a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/judicial-review-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: What are the types of writs issued by courts in India under judicial review?<\/strong> <strong>A:<\/strong> The Indian Constitution provides for five types of writs: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/legal-maxim-of-the-day-13\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"116\" title=\"Habeas Corpus - Legal Maxim of the Day\">Habeas Corpus<\/a>, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/legal-maxims-explained\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"113\" title=\"Legal Maxims Explained: Meanings, Origins and Use in Indian Courts\">Quo Warranto<\/a>, each serving a specific legal purpose to protect citizens&#8217; rights and maintain judicial oversight\u200b<a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/judicial-review-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: How did judicial review originate and develop in India?<\/strong> <strong>A:<\/strong> The concept originated in the United States and was adapted for India, borrowing from the US Constitution. In India, it was first established in the case of Shankari Prasad v. Union of India (1951) and further defined in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)\u200b<a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/judicial-review-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: What are the limitations of judicial review in India?<\/strong> <strong>A:<\/strong> Judicial review in India is subject to limitations, such as immunities for the President, Governors, and Judges of higher courts. Additionally, courts cannot interfere with executive policy decisions unless they violate the Constitution\u200b<a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/judicial-review-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: Why is judicial review significant in the Indian legal system? A:<\/strong> Judicial review is crucial as it allows the judiciary to check the legislative and executive branches, ensuring government actions stay within constitutional limits and protecting citizens&#8217; rights. It upholds the rule of law and maintains a balance of power among government branches\u200b<a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/judicial-review-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: What is the process of judicial review in India?<\/strong> <strong>A:<\/strong> The process involves initiation (filing a petition), preliminary scrutiny (admissibility check), hearings (examining case merits), judgment (court decision), and implementation (government compliance with the court&#8217;s decision)\u200b<a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/judicial-review-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.centurylawfirm.in<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Also Read:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-century-law-firm-blog wp-block-embed-century-law-firm-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"BnzZkll15q\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/lawyer-for-writ-petition\/\">Writ Petition &#8211; Types, Important Judgements, How and When to File | Lawyer for Writ Petition<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Writ Petition &#8211; Types, Important Judgements, How and When to File | Lawyer for Writ Petition&#8221; &#8212; Century Law Firm Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/lawyer-for-writ-petition\/embed\/#?secret=rlbFUQpox4#?secret=BnzZkll15q\" data-secret=\"BnzZkll15q\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-century-law-firm-blog wp-block-embed-century-law-firm-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"7pZc0gAQV5\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/fundamental-rights-and-duties-in-indian-constitution\/\">Fundamental Rights and Duties in Indian Constitution: Explained in Detail<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Fundamental Rights and Duties in Indian Constitution: Explained in Detail&#8221; &#8212; Century Law Firm Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/fundamental-rights-and-duties-in-indian-constitution\/embed\/#?secret=o79uaNQUZo#?secret=7pZc0gAQV5\" data-secret=\"7pZc0gAQV5\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-century-law-firm-blog wp-block-embed-century-law-firm-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"V5qKe6eNyV\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/article-14-of-theindian-constitution\/\">In-Depth Analysis of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;&lt;strong&gt;In-Depth Analysis of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution&lt;\/strong&gt;&#8221; &#8212; Century Law Firm Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/article-14-of-theindian-constitution\/embed\/#?secret=uwRoislLot#?secret=V5qKe6eNyV\" data-secret=\"V5qKe6eNyV\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"clf-related\" style=\"margin:28px 0 8px;padding:16px 20px;border:1px solid #e3e3e3;border-radius:6px;background:#fafafa\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;font-weight:700\">Related reading<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:20px\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/justice-beyond-boundaries-evolution-of-judicial-activism-in-india\/\">JUSTICE BEYOND BOUNDARIES: EVOLUTION OF JUDICIAL ACTIVISM IN INDIA<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/understanding-article-13-of-the-indian-constitution\/\">Understanding Article 13 of the Indian Constitution<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.centurylawfirm.in\/blog\/emergency-provisions-in-the-indian-constitution-an-exhaustive-analysis\/\">Emergency Provisions in the Indian Constitution: An Exhaustive Analysis<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Judicial review in India at a glance Meaning: the power of the Supreme Court and High Courts to examine whether a law, an executive act or a constitutional amendment conforms to the Constitution, and to declare it void if it does not. Constitutional basis: Articles 13 (laws inconsistent with fundamental rights are void), 32 and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1845,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1662],"tags":[279,1541,1578],"class_list":["post-1844","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-indian-constitution-1950","tag-advocate-delhi","tag-advocate-high-court","tag-lawyer-for-supreme-court"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Judicial Review in India: Importance and Landmark Cases<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Judicial review is a crucial aspect of the Indian Constitution that allows the judiciary to act as a check on the legislative and executive ..\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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