India’s judicial system has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s destiny, from enforcing fundamental rights to protecting the vulnerable. Over the years, several landmark judgments have made a significant impact on Indian society, altering the course of history and paving the way for a more just and equitable society. We will explore four such judgments that have had a profound effect on India, demonstrating the transformative power of law in shaping the nation.
1. The Right to Education (2002)
The Right to Education (RTE) judgement, delivered by the bench of Chief Justice V.N. Khare and Justices S.S. Mardia and S.B. Sinha, declared that education is a fundamental right under Article 21-A of the Constitution. This judgment was a groundbreaking moment in India’s history, recognizing the importance of education in empowering citizens and breaking the cycle of poverty. The judgement mandated the state to take necessary measures to ensure that all children receive free and compulsory primary education. Since then, RTE has been implemented in many states, significantly increasing access to education for disadvantaged groups.
2. The Right to Food (2001)
The Goa Foundation vs Union of India judgement, delivered by Justice B.N. Srikrishna, declared that the right to food is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. This landmark decision recognized that every citizen has the right to food security, essential for human dignity and well-being. The judgement imposed a duty on the state to take measures to ensure access to food for all, especially the vulnerable segments of society, such as children, women, and the elderly.
3. The Rights of LGBTQ+ Individuals (2018)
The Right to Education (2002) India (Image via Getty)The Navtej Singh Johar vs Union of India judgement, delivered by Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar, D.Y. Chandrachud, and Indu Malhotra, decriminalized Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, making it legal for same-sex relationships. This historic judgement marked a significant shift in India’s social terrain, acknowledging the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to live without fear of persecution. The judgement also recognized the importance of individual autonomy, privacy, and dignity.
4. The Cauvery Water Dispute (2018)
The Cauvery Water Dispute (2018) judgement, delivered by a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar, D.Y. Chandrachud, and Indu Malhotra, resolved the long-standing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the sharing of the Cauvery River’s waters. The judgement recognized the rights of both states to the river’s waters while ensuring the sustainable use of this precious resource. This judgement set a precedent for resolving inter-state disputes through judicial intervention, promoting harmonious coexistence among states.
These landmark judgments have had a profound impact on India’s social, economic, and political terrain. By recognizing the fundamental rights of citizens, they have created a more just and equitable society. These decisions have also underscored the crucial role of the judiciary in protecting the vulnerable and upholding the rule of law. As India continues to evolve, the importance of these landmark judgments will only continue to grow, shaping the country’s future and ensuring that its citizens have a better chance at a brighter tomorrow.