Supreme Court judgments add immediate credibility to GS2 polity and governance answers, but only if cited accurately. Verified landmark cases organised by theme:

Fundamental Rights and Article 21:

• Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): Expanded Article 21. The Court held that the procedure established by law must be just, fair, and reasonable. Established the 'golden triangle' linking Articles 14, 19, and 21 as interlinked.
• Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (judgment delivered 24 April 1973, 13-judge bench, 7:6 majority): Established the Basic Structure doctrine — Parliament can amend the Constitution but cannot destroy or emasculate its fundamental features such as democracy, secularism, federalism, and the rule of law.

Reservation and Social Justice:

• Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (judgment 16 November 1992, 9-judge bench): Upheld 27% OBC reservation in central government jobs, laid down the 50% ceiling on reservations, excluded the creamy layer from OBC benefits, and held that reservations cannot be applied in promotions.

Federalism and Article 356:

• S. R. Bommai v. Union of India (decided 11 March 1994, 9-judge bench): Ruled that the floor of the Assembly is the sole authority to test a government's majority; made President's Rule proclamations subject to judicial review.

Gender Justice and Workplace Rights:

• Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (judgment 13 August 1997): Held that sexual harassment at the workplace violates Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(g), and 21; issued the Vishaka Guidelines that served as binding law until the POSH Act 2013.

How to cite in an answer: Write the case name in italics or with inverted commas, followed by the year in brackets. Then give the one-line principle. Example: 'In Kesavananda Bharati (1973), the Supreme Court established the Basic Structure doctrine, holding that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution so as to destroy its fundamental features.'