RuleMate India

SHORT ANSWER: The basic structure doctrine protects fundamental rights and the federal structure by ensuring that certain essential features of the Constitution cannot be altered or destroyed by amendments. DETAILS: - Established by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973). - It maintains the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law. - It ensures that fundamental rights remain inviolable and cannot be infringed upon by legislative amendments. - It preserves the federal structure by preventing the central government from overpowering state governments. PUNISHMENT / IMPLICATIONS (if applicable): - Any amendment violating the basic structure can be struck down by the Supreme Court. SOURCE: - Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), Supreme Court of India.