The "basic structure" doctrine is an Indian judicial innovation which States that the constitution of India has certain basic features that cannot be altered or destroyed even through amendments by the legislature. It was first introduced by the supreme court of India in the landmark case of KeshavaRead more
The “basic structure” doctrine is an Indian judicial innovation which States that the constitution of India has certain basic features that cannot be altered or destroyed even through amendments by the legislature. It was first introduced by the supreme court of India in the landmark case of Keshavananda bharati vs State of Kerala in 1973.
Basic structure doctrine has prevented the state from bypassing the underlying principles of the constitution as follows.
Preserving the spirit of the constitution:
The basic structure doctrine has ensured over the years that the constitution cannot be tampered with arbitrary by the legislature or the executive.
For example; in Keshavananda bharati vs State of Kerala(1973), the supreme court ruled that article 368 of the constitution did not provide the parliament the authority to change the basic structure of the constitution.
Preserving judicial independence:
The basic structure doctrine has helped preserve judicial independence in india by empowering the judiciary to strike down unconstitutional laws.
For example: the NJAC act,2014 which aimed to replace the collegium system for appointing judges was struck down by the sc in 2015.
Upholding secularism:
The doctrine has prevented the State from adopting measures that would undermine the secular nature of the polity.
For example: In the case of S.R Bommai vs union of India (1994), the supreme court held that secularism is a part of the basic structure.
The basic structure doctrine has thus helped to ensure that the constitution remains the ultimate authority in the country,and that the principles of federalism, secularism, democracy and fundamental rights are upheld.
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Pressure groups are organized associations, unions, or organizations of people having common interests. They aim to seek better conditions for their members through organized efforts. They try to influence the legislature, executive, and other decision-makers to make favorable decisions. The stateRead more
Pressure groups are organized associations, unions, or organizations of people having common interests. They aim to seek better conditions for their members through organized efforts. They try to influence the legislature, executive, and other decision-makers to make favorable decisions.
The state of pressure groups in India constitutes an important dimension of the study of politics because the primary objective of any pressure group is to influence the government on a specific public policy issue or problem. Pressure groups do not contest elections and they may not have political programmes. Pressure groups informally attempt to influence the government on a specific public policy issue of a section of society. Freedom of association is generally found in all democratic societies.
This is required to identify and promote common interests or well-being of the people through collective activities. This is regarded as the basic factor which tends to the establishment of pressure groups. So, pressure groups play a crucial role in interest formation and interest aggregation. Pressure groups play a mediatory role between the people and the government. They balance the national interest and the interest of individuals. Generally, the interests of the common people are not organized.
Some prominent Examples of Pressure groups in India are-
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU): Represents the interests of farmers, especially in northern India.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS): A Hindu nationalist organization that influences policies through its affiliates like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Indian Medical Association (IMA): Represents doctors and medical professionals in India.
Bar Council of India: Governs the legal profession and represents lawyers’ interests.
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE): Works on environmental issues and sustainable development.
Amnesty International India: Focuses on human rights issues in India.
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