A Critical Analysis on Seven Decades of the Supreme Court of India: Evolution, Landmark Judgments, and Future Directions
Author(s): Dr. Neena Hamid
Authors Affiliations:
Senior Assistant Acharya, Faculty of Law & Forensic Sciences , Apex Professional University, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh
DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202507060 | Paper ID: IJIRMF202507060The Supreme Court of India, since its establishment in 1950, has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's legal and constitutional landscape. Over the past 75 years, the Court has evolved through different phases, transitioning from a conservative interpreter of the Constitution to a proactive guardian of fundamental rights and judicial activism. This research paper traces the Supreme Court’s evolution, highlighting key landmark judgments that have transformed constitutional interpretation, governance, and civil liberties.
The study explores the Court’s judicial philosophy, focusing on critical rulings such as Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), which established the Basic Structure Doctrine, and Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), which expanded the interpretation of personal liberty. The rise of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the 1980s and the development of the Collegium System for judicial appointments in the 1990s further reinforced the Court’s role in shaping India’s democratic structure.
The paper also examines recent judicial trends, including digital rights, electoral reforms, and environmental jurisprudence, and their implications for the future of judicial review and constitutional governance. While the Supreme Court has upheld democratic values, concerns regarding judicial overreach, transparency, and pendency of cases remain pressing challenges.
By analyzing the Court’s historical progress, major verdicts, and contemporary challenges, this research provides insights into the future trajectory of the Supreme Court in ensuring justice, safeguarding democracy, and balancing constitutional principles with evolving societal needs.
Dr. Neena Hamid(2025); A Critical Analysis on Seven Decades of the Supreme Court of India: Evolution, Landmark Judgments, and Future Directions, International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-11, Issue-7, Pp.417-425. Available on – https://www.ijirmf.com/
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