Archive · 29 Nov 2025
CJI Hails Basic Structure Doctrine
The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, spoke about the importance of the basic structure doctrine, which comes from a 1973 court case called Kesavananda Bharati.
He said this doctrine is like the conscience of our democracy, preventing it from becoming too extreme.
The doctrine helps ensure that the Constitution, which is the rulebook of our country, remains meaningful and protects the rights of citizens.
The CJI explained that the Constitution is not just a set of rules but a promise between the government and the people.
It should adapt to new challenges, like digital privacy and climate change, while keeping its core values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
He praised the doctrine for showing that India's democracy is strong and can adapt without losing its moral direction.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized the importance of the basic structure doctrine at an event in Haryana.
The doctrine, established in the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case, is seen as a safeguard against absolutism in democracy.
The CJI described the doctrine as the conscience that keeps democracy from drifting into absolutism.
He highlighted that the Constitution's strength lies in the integrity of those who interpret and defend it.
The doctrine ensures that the Constitution adapts to new challenges while maintaining its core values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- Who
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant
- What
- Inauguration of the 'International Mooting Academy for Advocacy, Negotiation, Dispute Adjudication, Arbitration'
- When
- Saturday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- O P Jindal University, Haryana
- Why
- To discuss the significance of the basic structure doctrine and its relevance in modern times
- Speaker
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant
- Event
- Inauguration of 'International Mooting Academy for Advocacy, Negotiation, Dispute Adjudication, Arbitration'
- Location
- O P Jindal University, Haryana
- Doctrine
- Basic Structure Doctrine
- Case
- Kesavananda Bharati (1973)
- Key Message
- The doctrine is the conscience that keeps democracy from drifting into absolutism
- Constitution's Strength
- Lies in the probity of those who interpret and defend it
- Constitution's Promise
- Human dignity anchored in liberty, equality, and fraternity