LexisNexis The Basic Structure Doctrine: Protector of Constitutional Integrity

Edition: 1st Edition, 2025

Binding: Hardcover

LexisNexis’ The Basic Structure Doctrine: Protector of Constitutional Integrity – 1st Edition, 2025 is a seminal work that explores one of the most foundational and transformative doctrines in Indian constitutional law. It offers an exhaustive account of the basic structure doctrine, which acts as a safeguard against the arbitrary exercise of amending power by the Parliament and preserves the sanctity of the Constitution of India.

This edition delves deep into the evolution, development, and current relevance of the doctrine since its origin in the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case. It reflects on how the doctrine has emerged as a bulwark against authoritarianism and its central role in shaping the constitutional democracy of India. Drawing from judicial pronouncements, academic interpretations, and legislative context, this book is ideal for law students, practitioners, academicians, judges, and those interested in constitutional jurisprudence.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Historical Evolution: Traces the origin of the basic structure doctrine from the Kesavananda Bharati case, through significant judgments including Minerva Mills, Indira Gandhi Election Case, and more.

• Interpretation of Constitutional Amendments: Examines how constitutional amendments are tested on the anvil of the basic structure, ensuring they do not distort the fundamental framework of the Constitution.

• Judicial Reasoning & Philosophical Underpinnings: Discusses the judicial philosophy behind adopting this doctrine, balancing constitutional flexibility with inviolable core values.

• Comparative Constitutional Insights: Offers insights from international jurisprudence to contextualize India’s approach to constitutional amendments and limitations.

• Case Law Compendium: Provides a detailed review of major cases where the basic structure doctrine was invoked, analyzed, or reaffirmed by Indian courts.

• Practical Relevance for Legal Practitioners: Equips constitutional lawyers and scholars with the legal reasoning needed to argue and understand the impact of structural integrity in constitutional litigation.

• Academic and Pedagogical Value: Structured to serve as an academic reference for law schools and universities offering courses on Constitutional Law and Public Law.

Why This Book is Essential:

• Foundational Constitutional Concept: Focuses on the doctrine that forms the bedrock of constitutional integrity and judicial review in India.

• Timely and Relevant: In a time of frequent legislative amendments and constitutional challenges, this book offers clarity and direction on constitutional limits and protections.

• Supports Legal Argumentation and Analysis: Enables legal professionals to construct robust arguments in public interest litigation, constitutional law matters, and policy debates.

• Authoritative and Well-Researched: Published by LexisNexis, known for its academic rigor, this edition consolidates jurisprudential depth with structured legal analysis.

• Resource for Judiciary, Bar & Academia: A must-have for judges, lawyers, academicians, and constitutional researchers engaged in interpreting or upholding the Indian Constitution.

LexisNexis’ The Basic Structure Doctrine: Protector of Constitutional Integrity – 1st Edition, 2025 is a definitive guide to understanding the doctrine that ensures the Indian Constitution remains inviolable and resilient against arbitrary changes. This book is indispensable for anyone seeking to grasp the legal and democratic essence of constitutional governance in India.