Introduction
In any democratic country, the Constitution is the ultimate law of the land. In addition to outlining people’ rights and responsibilities, it establishes the foundation for governance and guarantees a system of checks and balances between the several parts of government. The judiciary is at the center of this system, with the Supreme Court acting as the last arbiter and defender of the Constitution. The primary responsibility of the nation’s highest court is to uphold the principles outlined in the Constitution. Its role as the “guardian of the Constitution” ensures that the rule of law is respected and that the government and other institutions do not infringe on people’s rights. To avoid abuse and promote democracy it is essential to preserve the balance of power between the wings of the government.
Key Responsibilities of the Supreme Court:
- Judicial Review
One of the Supreme Court’s most significant responsibilities is judicial review, or the capacity to determine whether laws and executive actions are constitutional. Through judicial review, the Court ensures that no law or policy departs from essential constitutional principles. If the Court finds that such laws or actions are unconstitutional, it has the power to overturn them.
- Protection of Fundamental Rights
The Constitution often shields its citizens from the fundamental rights of equality, freedom of expression, and protection against discrimination. The Supreme Court is the final arbiter when these rights are in question. By reading the Constitution in a dynamic and progressive manner, the Court has regularly expanded the scope of fundamental rights, ensuring their validity in changing social and economic contexts.
- Resolving Constitutional Disputes
The Supreme Court has the final say on matters pertaining to the interpretation of constitutional provisions. This covers conflicts between the federal government and the states, as well as disputes over the limits of the legislative and executive branches of government.
- Advisory Jurisdiction
In many nations, the Supreme Court also acts as an advisor to the government by offering its views on complex constitutional matters. Even though it may not always be required by law, such advice has significant moral and legal weight.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s function as the protector of the Constitution is shown by several important rulings in India. The “basic structure doctrine,” which was established in the 1973 decision of Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, states that no constitutional amendment can change the core principles of the document. The Court broadened the meaning of Article 21 in Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), holding that the “right to life and personal liberty” included the right to a life of dignity. The Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980) decision reaffirmed the harmony between directive principles and basic rights, highlighting the fact that neither may supersede the fundamental principles of the Constitution. In a similar vein, the Court protected federalism by limiting the abuse of Article 356 in S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994). The 2018 ruling in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India upheld the protection of individual rights by decriminalizing consensual homosexuality under section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. All of these decisions show how important the Supreme Court is to preserving democratic governance, protecting rights, and defending constitutional ideals.
The Supreme Court’s role as the guardian of the Constitution is essential to maintaining the integrity of democratic governance. By ensuring that constitutional ideals are acknowledged and upheld, the Court protects individual rights, upholds the balance of power, and advances the rule of law. As societies evolve and new problems arise, the Supreme Court must continue to interpret and apply the Constitution in ways that promote justice, equity, and liberty for all.