100 Landmark Constitutional Law Cases – Free Case Digest for Law Students | Download Now
Constitutional law is one subject where you simply cannot afford to fumble a landmark case in an exam, a moot, or an interview. So, we’ve put together a free Constitutional Law Case Digest, covering 100 landmark judgments along with their ratios. Each entry is short, precise, and built for quick revision. Below, we’ve picked out 10 cases from the digest to give you a sense of what’s inside.
Kesavananda Bharati v State of Kerala (1973)
This is arguably the most important constitutional law case in Indian history. Essentially, it held that Parliament can amend Fundamental Rights, but cannot touch the basic structure of the Constitution. As a result, this case remains the foundation for every subsequent basic structure challenge.
Maneka Gandhi v Union of India (1978)
Here, the Supreme Court overturned its earlier position in A.K. Gopalan. Specifically, it held that “procedure established by law” under Article 21 actually means due process of law. Consequently, this case reshaped how Article 21 gets interpreted even today.
K.S. Puttaswamy v Union of India (2017)
In this case, the Court recognised the right to privacy as a facet of Article 21. Since privacy touches nearly every modern legal issue, from data protection to personal autonomy, this judgment gets cited constantly in current constitutional discourse.
Navtej Johar v Union of India (2018)
This judgment struck down Section 377 of the IPC, holding it irrational and arbitrary. In particular, the Court found it violated the rights to privacy, dignity, and equality under Articles 14, 15, and 21.
Shreya Singhal v Union of India (2015)
Here, the Court struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology Act. Because the provision was vague and overbroad, it was held violative of free speech under Article 19(1)(a).
Vishaka v State of Rajasthan (1997)
In the absence of dedicated legislation, the Supreme Court laid down guidelines on workplace sexual harassment. Later, these guidelines were codified into law through the 2013 Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act.
Indira Sawhney v Union of India (1993)
This case remains central to India’s reservation jurisprudence. Among other things, it capped reservations at 50%, introduced the creamy layer concept, and upheld 27% OBC reservation in public offices.
NALSA v Union of India (2014)
In this judgment, the Court recognised transgender persons as a third gender. Furthermore, it held them entitled to government jobs and reservation under the OBC category.
Joseph Shine v Union of India (2018)
Here, the Court struck down Section 497 of the IPC on adultery, calling it a codified rule of patriarchy. Additionally, it struck down the related provision giving husbands the exclusive right to prosecute their wife’s lover.
Shayara Bano v Union of India (2017)
In this case, the Supreme Court held the practice of Triple Talaq unconstitutional. As a result, it remains one of the most significant personal law judgments in recent years.
Get the Complete Digest
These 10 cases only scratch the surface. The complete digest covers all 100 landmark judgments, organised thematically, from judicial appointments and federalism to free speech, privacy, and personal liberty. Wherever a later case overrules or dilutes an earlier one, that relationship is flagged directly against the entry, so you can track how the law actually evolved.
Download The LawCademy’s Complete Constitutional Law Case Digest (100 Cases) for free
If you’re revising for exams or building toward a moot, our guide on how to write a case comment can help you turn case law knowledge into a polished submission. Also, if you’re weighing career paths built around constitutional and litigation practice, check out our guide on highest paying career paths in law.
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