Supreme Court Constitutional Bench Judgments (2024–26): Doctrines, Federalism & Institutional Balance

 Supreme Court Constitutional Bench Judgments (2024–26): Doctrines, Federalism & Institutional Balance

1. Why in News?

During 2024–26:

  • Several Constitution Bench decisions addressed:

    • Federal structure issues

    • Legislative vs executive power

    • Scope of judicial review

    • Governor’s discretionary powers

  • Debate over separation of powers resurfaced.

Judicial activism vs judicial restraint became central themes.

2. What is a Constitutional Bench?

Under Article 145(3):

A Constitution Bench consists of at least 5 judges.

Formed when:

  • Substantial question of law related to Constitution arises.

UPSC can directly test this.

3. Key Doctrines Frequently Revisited

1️⃣ Basic Structure Doctrine

Parliament cannot alter basic structure of Constitution.

Established in:
Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).

2️⃣ Doctrine of Separation of Powers

Executive, Legislature, Judiciary distinct but not watertight.

3️⃣ Doctrine of Judicial Review

Power of courts to review legislative & executive actions.

4. Federalism & Governor’s Powers

Recent cases discussed:

  • Governor’s delay in assent to bills

  • Role of Governor under Article 200

  • Federal balance between Centre & States

Governor cannot act arbitrarily.

Article 200 + 201 are important here.

5. Legislative Privileges & Judicial Scrutiny

Courts examined:

  • Whether internal proceedings of legislature are immune from review.

  • Limits of parliamentary privilege.

Static linkage:
Article 105 & 194 (Privileges).

6. Key Constitutional Articles Often Involved

  • Article 13 → Laws inconsistent with FR void

  • Article 32 → Right to constitutional remedies

  • Article 136 → Special Leave Petition

  • Article 226 → Writ jurisdiction of High Courts

Prelims often mixes writ powers.

7. Types of Writs (Always Relevant)

  • Habeas Corpus

  • Mandamus

  • Certiorari

  • Prohibition

  • Quo Warranto

UPSC repeats this topic frequently.

8. Prelims Angle

Possible questions:

  • Minimum strength of Constitution Bench?

  • Which Article empowers SC to issue writs?

  • Governor’s assent provisions under which Article?

  • Basic structure established in which case?

Statement-based trap very likely.

9. Mains Angle

  • Judicial activism vs restraint

  • Role of SC in preserving federalism

  • Separation of powers in practice

10. RBI Grade B Angle

Indirect relevance via:

  • Institutional independence

  • Constitutional governance

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