Basic Structure Doctrine ek simple-sounding, but powerful idea hai: Parliament Constitution amend kar sakti hai, lekin uska “core structure” destroy nahi kar sakti. Ye core mein kya hai? Judicial review, rule of law, separation of powers, federalism, secularism, fundamental rights ka core essence, free and fair elections, etc.
Is doctrine ne do extremes rok diye:
- Parliament ko yeh signal ki aap limited body ho,
- Courts ko guardian role diya ki agar koi amendment democracy ko hi weaken kare, to woh strike down ho sakta hai.
Yeh line hamesha crystal clear nahi hoti. Har big amendment pe debate hoti hai – kya yeh reform hai ya core ko hit kar raha hai? Economic, electoral, judicial reforms sab is test se guzarte hain.
Basic structure ek tarah se long-term safety valve hai. Short-term political majority koi bhi ho, Constitution ka basic DNA hawa me decide nahi hota; uska guardian ek independent judiciary rehti hai.