The Supreme Court of India has been a cornerstone of democracy, serving as the guardian of the Constitution and the protector of fundamental rights. Its judgements have had a profound impact on the political, social, and economic fabric of the country. This article delves into the pivotal role that Supreme Court judgements have played in shaping Indian democracy.

Constitutional Supremacy and Judicial Review:

One of the most significant contributions of the Supreme Court to Indian democracy is the establishment of constitutional supremacy and the practice of judicial review. The landmark judgement in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (AIR 1973 SC 1461) reaffirmed the doctrine of the Basic Structure of the Constitution, ensuring that no amendments could alter the fundamental framework of the Constitution. This judgement empowered the judiciary to strike down any legislation that violated the core principles of democracy, sovereignty, and secularism.

Protection of Fundamental Rights:

The Supreme Court has been instrumental in safeguarding the fundamental rights of Indian citizens. In Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (AIR 1978 SC 597), the Court expanded the interpretation of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21, emphasizing that these rights should be protected against arbitrary actions by the state. This judgement laid the foundation for a series of rulings that bolstered individual freedoms and rights, including the decriminalization of homosexuality in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (AIR 2018 SC (CRI) 1169)) and the recognition of privacy as a fundamental right in KS Puttaswamy v. Union of India (AIR 2017 SC 4161).

Promoting Social Justice:

Social justice has been a recurring theme in the Supreme Court’s judgements. The Court has played a vital role in addressing issues related to equality, discrimination, and social welfare. Indra Sawhney & Ors. v. Union of India (AIR 1993 SC 477), which upheld the validity of reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions, was a landmark decision promoting social justice and affirmative action. Similarly, the Supreme Court’s intervention in Vishaka and Ors. v. State of Rajasthan (AIR 1997 SC 3011) led to the formulation of guidelines to prevent sexual harassment at the workplace, highlighting the Court’s commitment to gender justice.

Environmental Protection:

The Supreme Court has also been a proactive guardian of the environment. In a series of judgements, the Court has underscored the importance of sustainable development and environmental protection. Vellore Citizens’ Welfare Forum v. Union of India (AIR 1996 SC 2715) introduced the concept of the “precautionary principle” and the “polluter pays” principle, laying the groundwork for environmental jurisprudence in India. In MC Mehta v. Union of India (1988 AIR 1115) concerning Ganga pollution and the Aravalli case (MC Mehta v. Union of India (2006 AIR SCW 2214)) on mining activities are other notable examples where the Court’s interventions have had far-reaching environmental implications.

Judicial Activism:

Judicial activism has been a defining feature of the Supreme Court’s approach, allowing it to take a proactive stance on issues of public interest. Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have enabled citizens to seek judicial intervention in matters affecting the public at large. The Oleum Gas Leak case (MC Mehta v. Union of India 1987 AIR 1086), which resulted in the evolution of the “absolute liability” principle, and the Right to Food case (People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) v. Union of India, (2001) 5 SCC 647) are prominent instances where judicial activism has led to significant policy changes and improved governance.

Electoral Reforms:

The Supreme Court has been pivotal in driving electoral reforms, ensuring free and fair elections – a cornerstone of any democracy. Lily Thomas v. Union of India (AIR 2013 SC 2662), which disqualified convicted legislators from contesting elections, and People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India (AIR 2003 SC 2363), which mandated the use of Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) in elections, are landmark judgements that have enhanced the integrity of the electoral process.

Strengthening Democratic Institutions:

The Supreme Court has also played a crucial role in strengthening democratic institutions and upholding the principle of separation of powers. Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCARA) v. Union of India (2016) 5 SCC 1 led to the striking down of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, reaffirming the independence of the judiciary.

Moreover, In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (AIR 2015 SC 1523), the Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, protecting the freedom of speech and expression in the digital age.

Economic Reforms:

The Supreme Court’s judgements have had a significant impact on economic reforms and policies. In the Coalgate scam case (Manohar Lal Sharma v. The Principle Secretary and Ors. (2014) 12 SCR 110) and the 2G spectrum case (Centre for Public Interest Litigation v. Union of India, (2012) 3 SCC 1), which led to the cancellation of licenses and allocations, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in government dealings. These judgements have paved the way for more robust regulatory frameworks and fair economic practices.

The Supreme Court of India has been a formidable force in shaping Indian democracy. Its judgements have not only upheld constitutional values and protected fundamental rights but have also driven social, environmental, and economic reforms. The Court’s proactive stance, through judicial review and activism, has ensured that democracy in India remains vibrant, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of its people. As the highest judicial authority, the Supreme Court continues to be a beacon of justice, playing a pivotal role in the evolution of Indian democracy.