Basic Structure Doctrine: UPSC GS-II Study Guide
Understand the constitutional doctrine, its evolution, limits on amendment power and mains-answer use.
Core idea
The Basic Structure doctrine holds that Parliament can amend the Constitution under Article 368, but cannot damage its essential constitutional identity. It is a judicially evolved limit on constituent power, not a closed list written in the Constitution.
Why Kesavananda Bharati matters
In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), the Supreme Court preserved Parliament’s broad amending power while protecting features such as constitutional supremacy, judicial review, the rule of law, separation of powers, federalism and free and fair elections. Later cases refine the doctrine in particular contexts.
Answer-writing use
A good mains answer distinguishes ordinary legislation from constitutional amendment, explains the balance between democratic amendment and constitutional restraint, and uses one relevant case example. Avoid treating every constitutional value as automatically part of the doctrine; explain the judicial reasoning.
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