New Delhi

The 50th anniversary of the Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala judgment, commonly known as the "Kesavananda Bharti case," is being celebrated today. Here are 5 important things to know about this historic case:

1. The case was filed by Kesavananda Bharati, the head of the Edneer Mutt in Kerala, who challenged the constitutionality of the Indian government's attempt to nationalize privately owned estates, including the property of the Edneer Mutt.

2. The case was heard by a bench of 13 judges of the Supreme Court of India, making it the longest and largest constitutional bench in Indian legal history.

3. The court's ruling, delivered on April 24th, 1973, established the "basic structure doctrine" in Indian constitutional law. This doctrine holds that while the Parliament of India has the power to amend the Constitution, this power is not unlimited, and there are certain fundamental features of the Constitution that cannot be altered or amended.

4. The basic structure doctrine includes fundamental features such as the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the independence of the judiciary.

5. The Kesavananda Bharati case is considered one of the most significant cases in Indian constitutional law and has had a lasting impact on Indian democracy. It has been cited in numerous subsequent cases and has shaped the interpretation of the Indian Constitution.

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As we celebrate the golden jubilee of the Kesavananda Bharati case, we must remember the legacy of the petitioner, Kesavananda Bharati, and his contribution to Indian constitutional law.