What is the Basic Structure Doctrine?

The Basic Structure Doctrine is a judicial principle developed by the Supreme Court of India to protect the core values of the Constitution from being altered by Parliament.

It holds that while Parliament has wide powers to amend the Constitution under Article 368, it cannot change or destroy its “basic structure.” This doctrine was established in the landmark Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) case.

Though the Constitution does not define “basic structure,” the Court has identified features such as the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, separation of powers, judicial review, secularism, and federalism as part of it.

Any constitutional amendment violating these principles can be struck down by courts.