Best Lawyer in Jabalpur Advocates (DRT, High Court, CAT) MP and CG

Best Lawyer in Jabalpur Advocates (DRT, High Court, CAT) MP and CG

Ajay Gautam Advocate is widely recognized as one of the best lawyers in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, known for his exceptional legal expertise and dedication to client success. Specializing in cases before the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), High Court, and Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), he offers comprehensive legal services with a focus on delivering strategic and result-oriented solutions. With a strong command over complex legal matters and a reputation for professionalism, Ajay Gautam has earned the trust of clients across MP and CG, making him a go-to advocate for high-stakes litigation and legal consultations.

Ajay Gautam Advocate is regarded as one of the best lawyers in Jabalpur, known for his expertise in handling complex matters before the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), High Court, and Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. With a strong reputation for strategic legal acumen, in-depth knowledge of SARFAESI and banking law, and a client-focused approach, he has become the trusted choice for individuals, corporates, and financial institutions seeking effective representation in litigation and appellate procedures.

Ajay Gautam Advocate is widely regarded as one of the top legal professionals in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, especially sought-after for his proficiency in Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), High Court, and Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) matters. Known for a deep and nuanced understanding of banking and finance law, including SARFAESI and non-performing asset (NPA) disputes, he represents both lenders and borrowers with integrity and tactical insight. What sets him apart is a client-centric approach: he emphasizes clear communication, thorough case preparation, and practical solutions tailored to each case. Across civil, criminal, service, and financial litigation, his reputation is built on consistent success, trust among clients, and ethical conduct.

Ajay Gautam is an advocate based in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, who is widely recognized as a leading lawyer. With over years of experience, he is known for his expertise in the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), Madhya Pradesh High Court, and Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). His legal practice also covers a wide range of other areas, including civil, criminal, banking, family, and intellectual property law. Gautam has a reputation for his strategic approach to litigation, client-centric focus, and for providing effective legal solutions in financial disputes, representing both lenders and borrowers.

Supreme Court Cases Everyone Should Know

Supreme Court Cases Everyone Should Know

100 Landmark Supreme Court Cases in India

1. Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras (1950)

2. Shankari Prasad v. Union of India (1951)

3. State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951)

4. A. K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (1950)

5. M. P. Sharma v. Satish Chandra (1954)

6. K. M. Nanavati v. State of Maharashtra (1959)

7. Berubari Union & Exchange of Enclaves Case (1960)

8. Sajjan Singh v. State of Rajasthan (1965)

9. Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967)

10. Keshavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)

11. Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975)

12. ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (1976)

13. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)

14. Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980)

15. Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India (1980)

16. S. P. Gupta v. Union of India (1981)

17. R. D. Shetty v. International Airport Authority of India (1979)

18. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)

19. Shah Bano Case (Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum) (1985)

20. India v. Union Carbide / Bhopal Disaster suits

21. Ranjit D. Udeshi v. State of Maharashtra (1965)

22. Indian Young Lawyers Association (Sabarimala) case

23. Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan (1997)

24. TMA Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka (2002)

25. I. R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu (2007)

26. Naz Foundation v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi (2009)

27. Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011)

28. Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. Union of India (2008)

29. NALSA v. Union of India (2014)

30. K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017)

31. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India

32. Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (EWS Reservation) (2022)

33. S. R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)

34. Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu & Others (1992)

35. Indra Sawhney & Others v. Union of India (1992)

36. A. K. Roy v. Union of India (1982)

37. D. K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997)

38. Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996)

39. M. C. Mehta v. Union of India (series, e.g. Taj Trapezium case)

40. M. C. Mehta v. Union of India (Vehicular Pollution)

41. M. C. Mehta v. Union of India (Ganga Pollution)

42. Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986)

43. Sahara v. SEBI

44. S. R. Tendolkar v. Municipal Corporation (Right to Access to Information)

45. L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997)

46. Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. v. SBI

47. Sreevatsa v. Union of India

48. Ujjam Bai v. State of Madhya Pradesh

49. Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India (1995)

50. P. Venkataramana v. Union of India

51. Pradeep Jain v. Union of India

52. Unni Krishnan, J. P. v. State of Andhra Pradesh (Education as fundamental right)

53. T. N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India (forest and environmental law)

54. Nandini Sundar & Others v. State of Chhattisgarh

55. Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Privacy) (2017)

56. Bijli v. State of Haryana

57. Project Seabird v. Union of India

58. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation

59. Chameli Singh v. State of U.P. (Right to Shelter)

60. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India

61. Abdul Kalam v. Union of India (President’s Power, Pardon)

62. R. v. State of Maharashtra

63. D. R. Kumari v. Manohar Lal Sharma

64. Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. Union of India

65. Sabarimala Entry case

66. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India

67. PUCL v. Union of India (Hawala Case)

68. Center for Public Interest Litigation v. Union of India

69. In re: Presidential Reference (Third Judges case)

70. Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association v. Union of India (Fourth Judges case)

71. Supreme Court Advocates on Record v. Union of India (Second Judges’ case)

72. In re: Special Reference 1 of 1998 (collegium reference)

73. M. P. L. Suresh v. State of Karnataka

74. Ajay Hasia v. Khalid Mujib Sehravardi

75. Chandigarh Administration v. Jagjit Singh

76. K. Veeraswami v. Union of India (Judicial accountability)

77. Delhi Judicial Service Association v. State of Gujarat (arrest guidelines)

78. Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala

79. In re: Kerala Education Bill

80. Praga Tools Corpn. v. C. I. T.

81. A. C. Jose v. S. B. Jose (marriage/maintenance)

82. Abdul Vs. State of J & K

83. UOI v. Harish Chandra Shukla

84. Hiralal v. State of Assam

85. State of U.P. v. Kaushal

86. Veeraswami v. Union of India

87. Relying on test of proportionality — e.g. cases interpreting Articles 14/19/21

88. State of Himachal Pradesh v. Umed Ram Sharma

89. Vikas Singh v. Union of India

90. Kesavananda Bharati (already included)

91. I. R. Coelho (already included)

92. Landmark labor law judgments (e.g. Olga Tellis, Unni Krishnan)

93. Social justice judgments (like EWS, reservations)

94. Gender / women’s rights judgments (Vishakha, Triple talaq)

95. LGBTQ+ rights (Navtej Singh Johar)

96. Environmental law (MC Mehta series)

97. Privacy and data protection jurisprudence

98. Electoral law and reforms (e.g. electoral bonds, EVM-VVPAT)

99. Remission / death sentence jurisprudence (e.g. Bachan Singh)

100. Suo motu / PIL / Public Interest Litigation jurisprudence

100 Supreme Court Cases Everyone Should Know

100 Supreme Court Cases Everyone Should Know

These cases span fundamental rights, constitutional law, criminal justice, environmental protection, and more, representing pivotal moments in Indian jurisprudence.

1-20: Fundamental Rights and Individual Liberties

#	Case Name	Year	Summary
1	Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras	1950	Struck down a ban on a journal under the Madras Maintenance of Public Order Act as violative of freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a).
2	A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras	1950	Upheld preventive detention laws but laid groundwork for expanding Article 21's scope to include due process.
3	State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan	1951	Invalidated caste-based reservations in education, leading to the First Amendment introducing Article 15(4).
4	Shankari Prasad v. Union of India	1951	Affirmed Parliament's power to amend Fundamental Rights under Article 368.
5	Berubari Union Case	1960	Clarified that cession of territory requires a constitutional amendment, not just parliamentary legislation.
6	Golaknath v. State of Punjab	1967	Held that Fundamental Rights are not amendable by Parliament, introducing the prospect of judicial supremacy.
7	R.C. Cooper v. Union of India (Bank Nationalization Case)	1970	Expanded Article 31 to include the right to property and struck down parts of the Banking Companies Act.
8	Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala	1973	Introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine, limiting Parliament's amending power to preserve the Constitution's core features.
9	Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain	1975	Invalidated the 39th Amendment and reinforced the Basic Structure Doctrine in electoral law.
10	ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (Habeas Corpus Case)	1976	Upheld suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency (later overruled).
11	Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India	1978	Expanded Article 21 to include due process, interlinking it with Articles 14 and 19 for personal liberty.
12	Minerva Mills v. Union of India	1980	Struck down parts of the 42nd Amendment, affirming judicial review as part of the Basic Structure.
13	Waman Rao v. Union of India	1981	Applied prospective overruling to Ninth Schedule laws post-Kesavananda.
14	Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum	1985	Upheld maintenance rights for divorced Muslim women under Section 125 CrPC, sparking UCC debate.
15	Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation	1985	Held that the right to livelihood is integral to the right to life under Article 21.
16	M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Oleum Gas Leak Case)	1987	Introduced absolute liability for hazardous industries, evolving environmental jurisprudence.
17	Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (Mandal Commission Case)	1992	Upheld 27% OBC reservations but capped total at 50% and excluded creamy layer.
18	S.R. Bommai v. Union of India	1994	Made imposition of President's Rule under Article 356 subject to judicial review.
19	Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan	1997	Laid down guidelines to prevent sexual harassment at workplaces, later codified in POSH Act.
20	TMA Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka	2002	Defined the scope of state regulation over private educational institutions' autonomy.

21-40: Criminal Law and Justice

 

#	Case Name	Year	Summary
21	Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar	1962	Limited sedition law under Section 124A IPC to acts inciting violence, protecting critical speech.
22	State of Punjab v. Baldev Singh	1999	Mandated procedural safeguards for NDPS Act searches to prevent abuse.
23	D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal	1997	Issued guidelines to prevent custodial violence and torture, enhancing arrestee rights.
24	Selvi v. State of Karnataka	2010	Prohibited narco-analysis, polygraph, and brain mapping without consent as violative of Article 20(3).
25	Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar	2014	Directed that arrests in offenses punishable by <7 years be exceptions, curbing misuse.
26	Shatrughan Chauhan v. Union of India	2017	Issued guidelines for mercy petitions in death penalty cases, emphasizing commutation.
27	Common Cause v. Union of India (Passive Euthanasia)	2018	Legalized passive euthanasia and living wills for terminally ill patients.
28	Mukesh v. State (Nirbhaya Case)	2017	Upheld death penalty for gang rape, reinforcing fast-track justice for sexual offenses.
29	Joseph Shine v. Union of India	2018	Struck down Section 497 IPC (adultery) as unconstitutional, violating women's dignity.
30	Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India	2018	Decriminalized homosexuality by reading down Section 377 IPC.
31	Hadiya Case (Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M.)	2018	Affirmed adults' right to choose partners, striking down forced conversions.
32	P. Chidambaram v. Directorate of Enforcement	2020	Clarified bail under Section 438 CrPC in economic offenses, prioritizing liberty.
33	Satender Kumar Antil v. CBI	2022	Issued comprehensive guidelines on bail vs. jail, criticizing undertrial detention.
34	Bilkis Bano v. Union of India	2024	Quashed premature release of 2002 Gujarat riot convicts, upholding victim justice.
35	Kaushal Kishor v. State of UP	2023	Expanded hate speech regulation under Article 19(2), beyond IPC provisions.
36	Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India	2020	Struck down indefinite internet shutdowns in J&K as violative of free speech.
37	Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali v. NIA	2019	Set stringent bail criteria in terror financing cases under UAPA.
38	K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (Privacy)	2017	Declared right to privacy a fundamental right under Articles 14, 19, and 21.
39	Lalita Kumari v. Govt of UP	2014	Mandated FIR registration for cognizable offenses, preventing police discretion.
40	DK Basu Guidelines (reaffirmed in Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh)	2021	Strengthened custodial death prevention protocols.

41-60: Constitutional and Administrative Law

 

#	Case Name	Year	Summary
41	Sajjan Singh v. State of Rajasthan	1965	Upheld Parliament's amending power over Fundamental Rights (pre-Golaknath).
42	Three Judges Cases (S.P. Gupta, SCAORA, Special Reference)	1981-1998	Evolved the Collegium system for judicial appointments, ensuring judicial independence.
43	L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India	1997	Held tribunals subject to High Court/Supreme Court review under Articles 226/32.
44	IR Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu	2007	Allowed judicial review of Ninth Schedule laws if they violate Basic Structure.
45	NJAC Case (Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Assn. v. UOI)	2015	Struck down the 99th Amendment establishing National Judicial Appointments Commission.
46	Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India	2018	Affirmed Delhi CM's executive primacy over Lt. Governor in most matters.
47	Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (Defamation)	2016	Upheld criminal defamation under Sections 499/500 IPC as reasonable restriction.
48	Shayara Bano v. Union of India (Triple Talaq)	2017	Declared instant triple talaq unconstitutional, violating Article 14.
49	Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (EWS Reservation)	2022	Upheld 10% EWS quota under 103rd Amendment as not violating Basic Structure.
50	Supriyo v. Union of India (Same-Sex Marriage)	2023	Denied constitutional right to same-sex marriage, leaving it to legislation.
51	Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India	2024	Struck down Electoral Bonds scheme as opaque and violative of voters' right to information.
52	State of West Bengal v. Union of India	1963	Clarified federal structure, holding states as equal partners with Centre.
53	Ram Jawaya Kapur v. State of Punjab	1955	Executive derives power from Constitution, not mere legislative sanction.
54	UCO Bank v. Their Workmen	1963	Defined "industry" broadly under Industrial Disputes Act for labor rights.
55	Excel Wear v. Union of India	1978	Laid principles for retrenchment compensation in industrial disputes.
56	Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India	1984	Expanded Article 21 to include bonded labor eradication and rehabilitation.
57	People's Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India (Right to Food)	2001	Directed implementation of food security schemes under Article 21.
58	Unni Krishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh	1993	Held education a fundamental right up to age 14 under Article 21.
59	Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka	1992	Declared capitation fees unconstitutional, affirming affordable education.
60	Pramati Educational & Cultural Trust v. Union of India	2014	Exempted minority institutions from RTE Act's 25% reservation quota.

61-80: Environmental and Public Interest Law

 

#	Case Name	Year	Summary
61	Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India	1996	Introduced precautionary and polluter pays principles in environmental law.
62	M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Taj Trapezium)	1996	Ordered pollution control measures to protect Taj Mahal using sustainable development.
63	Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action v. Union of India (Bichhri Case)	1996	Applied polluter pays principle to remediate chemical industry pollution.
64	Narmada Bachao Andolan v. Union of India	2000	Balanced development with rehabilitation rights under Article 21 for displaced persons.
65	T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India	1997	Expanded forest conservation to all non-recorded forest areas.
66	Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar	1991	Enforced right to pollution-free water as part of Article 21.
67	A.P. Pollution Control Board v. Prof. M.V. Nayudu	1999	Emphasized expert committees in environmental decision-making.
68	Hanuman Laxman Charati v. State of Maharashtra	2009	Upheld community rights over private property in eco-sensitive zones.
69	Techi Tagi Tara v. Rajendra Oinam	2016	Mandated cumulative impact assessments for mining in fragile ecosystems.
70	M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (CNG Vehicles)	2001	Directed switch to CNG for public transport to combat Delhi air pollution.
71	Research Foundation for Science v. Union of India (Shipbreaking)	2007	Regulated hazardous shipbreaking under Basel Convention principles.
72	Lafarge Umiam Mining Pvt. Ltd. v. Union of India	2011	Allowed mining post-environmental clearance if public interest served.
73	Orissa Mining Corporation v. Ministry of Environment	2013	Quashed mining leases in violation of Forest Rights Act.
74	Common Cause v. Union of India (Ganga Pollution)	2017	Ordered cleanup of Ganga, holding states accountable under Article 21.
75	M.K. Ranjitsinh v. Union of India (Girnar Sanctuary)	2014	Protected wildlife habitats from development without clearance.
76	Alembic Pharmaceuticals v. Rohit Prajapati	2020	Relaxed effluent standards enforcement during COVID but upheld monitoring.
77	Hanif Qureshi v. State of Bihar	1958	Upheld cow slaughter bans as reasonable under Article 19(1)(g).
78	Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of UP	1985	Closed mining operations in Dehradun valley for ecological restoration.
79	Kamal Nath v. Union of India	1998	Applied Public Trust Doctrine to protect natural resources from commercial exploitation.
80	Intellectuals Forum v. State of AP	2006	Mandated relocation of coastal structures with environmental compensation.

81-100: Economic, Electoral, and Miscellaneous Law

 

#	Case Name	Year	Summary
81	Keshav Mills v. CIT	1965	Defined judicial review scope in tax matters under Article 136.
82	Excel Wear v. Union of India	1979	Upheld closure rights of industries under labor laws.
83	Air India v. Nergesh Meerza	1981	Struck down discriminatory retirement age for air hostesses.
84	M.G. Abellha v. State of Kerala	1989	Affirmed right to health as part of Article 21 for medical negligence.
85	Consumer Unity & Trust Society v. State of Rajasthan	1991	Allowed private participation in telecom under licensing regime.
86	Delhi Science Forum v. Union of India	1996	Upheld TRAI's regulatory powers in telecom liberalization.
87	Association of Registration Plates v. Union of India	2005	Mandated high-security plates for vehicles under MV Act.
88	Centre for Public Interest Litigation v. Union of India (2G Spectrum)	2012	Cancelled 122 2G licenses for arbitrariness, ordering auctions.
89	Manohar Lal Sharma v. Principal Secretary (Coal Scam)	2014	Declared coal block allocations illegal, mandating e-auctions.
90	Yashwant Sinha v. CBI (Rafale Deal)	2019	Dismissed PIL challenging Rafale purchase, affirming commercial confidentiality.
91	Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (Electoral Rolls)	2023	Transferred ECI appointment to a committee including CJI for neutrality.
92	K. Krishna Murthy v. Union of India	2020	Mandated state EC appointments by independent committees.
93	People's Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India (VVPAT)	2013	Directed VVPAT implementation for verifiable voting.
94	Lily Thomas v. Union of India	2013	Disqualified convicted legislators immediately upon conviction.
95	Public Interest Foundation v. Union of India	2018	Capped political party office terms and mandated inner-party democracy.
96	National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India	2014	Recognized transgender as third gender with equal rights.
97	Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (Aadhaar)	2018	Upheld Aadhaar's constitutionality with privacy safeguards.
98	Kaushambi Brickfield v. State of UP	2017	Protected child laborers' rights under Article 24 and 21.
99	Entertainment Network v. Super Cassette	2008	Balanced copyright and broadcasting rights under fair use.
100	Shreya Singhal v. Union of India	2015	Struck down Section 66A IT Act for chilling free speech online.

This list highlights cases that have profoundly influenced Indian law and society.

100 Landmark Judgments Every Lawyer Should Know

100 Landmark Judgments Every Lawyer Should Know

#	Case Name	Year	Key Holding
1	Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras	1950	Struck down ban on media under public order grounds; expanded free speech under Article 19(1)(a).
2	A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras	1950	Preventive detention under Article 21 need not satisfy Articles 14/19; later overruled.
3	Shankari Prasad v. Union of India	1951	Parliament's power to amend Fundamental Rights upheld.
4	State of West Bengal v. Subodh Gopal Bose	1954	Land acquisition laws valid if for public purpose under Article 31.
5	Ram Jawaya Kapur v. State of Punjab	1955	Executive derives power from Constitution, not legislature alone.
6	Berubari Union (Re)	1960	Territory cession requires constitutional amendment.
7	Sajjan Singh v. State of Rajasthan	1965	Reaffirmed Parliament's amending power over Fundamental Rights.
8	I.C. Golaknath v. State of Punjab	1967	Fundamental Rights not amendable; prospective overruling applied.
9	A.K. Kraipak v. Union of India	1970	Principles of natural justice apply to administrative actions.
10	Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala	1973	Basic structure doctrine: Parliament cannot amend Constitution's core features.
11	Bennett Coleman & Co. v. Union of India	1973	Newsprint policy violates free press under Article 19(1)(a).
12	Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain	1975	Broad separation of powers; free/fair elections part of basic structure.
13	ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla	1976	Habeas corpus suspendable during emergency; overruled in 2017.
14	Stanislaus v. State of Madhya Pradesh	1977	Right to propagate religion excludes forced conversions.
15	Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India	1978	Article 21's "procedure established by law" must be just, fair, reasonable.
16	R.G. Anand v. Deluxe Films	1978	Ideas not protected by copyright; only expression is.
17	Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab	1980	"Rarest of rare" doctrine for death penalty under Section 302 IPC.
18	Minerva Mills v. Union of India	1980	Judicial review and harmony between FRs/DPSPs part of basic structure.
19	Ajay Hasia v. Khalid Mujib Sehravardi	1981	Test for "State" under Article 12: government instrumentality.
20	Air India v. Nergesh Meerza	1981	Air hostesses' retirement rules discriminatory; violate Article 14.
21	Waman Rao v. Union of India	1981	Ninth Schedule laws post-1973 challengeable if violate basic structure.
22	Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India	1984	PIL for bonded labor; state duty to enforce labor laws.
23	Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum	1985	Muslim women entitled to maintenance under CrPC Section 125.
24	M.C. Mehta v. Union of India	1986	Absolute liability for hazardous industries; oleum gas leak case.
25	Collector of Anantnag v. Katiji	1987	Liberal interpretation of limitation under Limitation Act.
26	D.C. Wadhwa v. State of Bihar	1987	Re-promulgation of ordinances unconstitutional.
27	A.R. Antulay v. R.S. Nayak	1988	Judiciary not "State" for judicial functions under Article 12.
28	Asif Hameed v. State of J&K	1989	Separation of powers: no judicial interference in policy.
29	Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (Mandal Case)	1992	27% OBC reservation valid; creamy layer exclusion.
30	S.R. Bommai v. Union of India	1994	Article 356 misuse reviewable; secularism basic feature.
31	L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India	1997	Tribunals subject to High Court jurisdiction; judicial review basic structure.
32	Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan	1997	Guidelines against workplace sexual harassment; POSH basis.
33	D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal	1997	Guidelines for arrest/detention to prevent custodial torture.
34	Samatha v. State of Andhra Pradesh	1997	Mining leases to private parties in tribal areas unconstitutional.
35	Church of God v. K.K.R. Majestic Colony	2000	Noise pollution from religious places actionable under environmental laws.
36	TMA Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka	2002	Autonomy for minority educational institutions.
37	Asha Qureshi v. Afaq Qureshi	2002	Bigamy under Special Marriage Act if second marriage solemnized.
38	Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra	2002	Curative petition as final judicial remedy.
39	Amar Nath Sehgal v. Union of India	2005	Moral rights of artists in works of art protected.
40	Satyam Infoway v. Sifynet Solutions	2004	Domain names protected under Trademarks Act.
41	Om Prakash v. State of UP	2006	Gang rape presumption under Section 376(2)(g) IPC.
42	M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath	2006	Public trust doctrine for natural resources.
43	I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu	2007	Ninth Schedule laws reviewable for basic structure violation.
44	Chacko v. Mahadevan	2007	Partition suits for joint family property.
45	DM Aravali Golf Club v. Chander Hass	2007	Separation of powers in land allotment.
46	Ashok Kumar Thakur v. Union of India	2008	27% OBC quota in central institutions valid.
47	Coca-Cola v. Bisleri	2009	Trademark rights in bottled water branding.
48	Naz Foundation v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi	2009	Section 377 unconstitutional for consensual adult homosexuality (overruled, then reinstated).
49	Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug v. Union of India	2011	Passive euthanasia permissible with guidelines.
50	State of UP v. Sheo Shanker Lal Srivastava	2006	Compassionate appointment not vested right.
51	National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India	2014	Transgender as third gender; equal rights.
52	Swasthya Adhikar Manch v. Union of India	2013	Regulations for clinical trials to protect participants.
53	Suresh Kumar Koushal v. Naz Foundation	2013	Upheld Section 377; overruled in 2018.
54	Lily Thomas v. Union of India	2013	Immediate disqualification of convicted legislators.
55	Shreya Singhal v. Union of India	2015	Section 66A IT Act unconstitutional; vague speech curbs.
56	ABC v. State (NCT of Delhi)	2015	Unwed mother sole guardian without father's consent.
57	Zee Telefilms v. Union of India	2015	BCCI not "State" under Article 12.
58	Shayara Bano v. Union of India	2017	Triple talaq unconstitutional; violates Article 14.
59	Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India	2017	Right to privacy fundamental under Articles 14, 19, 21.
60	Common Cause v. Union of India	2018	Passive euthanasia and living wills recognized.
61	Indian Young Lawyers Assn. v. State of Kerala (Sabarimala)	2018	Women entry to Sabarimala temple; equality over religious custom.
62	Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India	2018	Decriminalized homosexuality; Section 377 partly struck down.
63	NCT of Delhi v. Union of India	2018	LG bound by Council of Ministers' aid/advice.
64	Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Aadhaar) v. Union of India	2018	Aadhaar constitutional with data protection limits.
65	Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India	2020	Internet access part of Article 19; J&K restrictions reviewable.
66	Chebrolu Leela Prasad Rao v. State of AP	2021	Special POCSO court can try rape cases.
67	Baglekar Akash Kumar v. Google LLC	2021	Intermediary liability for user-generated content.
68	Aruna Gounder v. Ponnusamy	2022	Hindu undivided family coparcenary rights.
69	Deepika Singh v. Central Administrative Tribunal	2022	Equal benefits for atypical families, including same-sex couples.
70	Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India	2022	10% EWS reservation constitutional.
71	Kaushal Kishor v. State of UP	2023	Ministers' hate speech not protected by Article 19(1)(a).
72	Supriyo v. Union of India	2023	No fundamental right to same-sex marriage; left to legislature.
73	Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Union of India	2023	ED chief appointment guidelines for independence.
74	B.V. Seshaiah v. State of Telangana	2023	Video conferencing for witness examination valid.
75	Dr. Nirmal Singh Panesar v. Paramjit Kaur	2023	Family pension rights post-remarriage.
76	M. Siddiq v. Mahant Suresh Das (Ayodhya)	2019	Title to Ram Janmabhoomi; ASI evidence pivotal.
77	Shah Faesal v. Union of India	2019	Abrogation of Article 370 constitutional.
78	Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India	2023	Election Commissioners appointed by committee, not executive.
79	Arun Kumar v. Inspector General of Registration	2019	Trans women as "bride" under Hindu Marriage Act.
80	Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India	2024	Electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional; violates voter rights.
81	Bilkis Yakub Rasool v. Union of India	2024	Remission to 2002 Gujarat riot convicts quashed.
82	Container Corp. v. Ajay Khera	2024	Phasing out BS-IV diesel vehicles in NCR.
83	Vishal Tiwari v. Union of India	2024	SEBI probe into Adani-Hindenburg monitored by SC.
84	Union of India v. Madras Bar Assn.	2010	NCLT/NCLAT constitutional; judicial review limited.
85	Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India	2016	Defamation under Sections 499/500 IPC constitutional.
86	Tehelka Tape Case (R.K. Anand v. Delhi HC)	2006	Contempt for influencing witnesses.
87	People's Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India	2003	Right to food; mid-day meals mandated.
88	Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corp.	1985	Pavement dwellers' right to livelihood under Article 21.
89	Excel Wear v. Union of India	1978	Closure of industrial undertakings requires permission.
90	Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar	1979	Speedy trial fundamental right; undertrial release.
91	Francis Coralie Mullin v. Administrator, UT of Delhi	1981	Right to life includes dignified living.
92	Olga Tellis (Pavement Dwellers)	1985	Eviction without notice violates Article 21.
93	Unni Krishnan v. State of AP	1993	Education up to 14 years fundamental right (later modified).
94	Kapila Hingorani v. State of Bihar	2003	State liability for salary arrears to employees.
95	Pradeep Kumar Biswas v. Indian Institute of Chemical Biology	2002	CSIR as "State" under Article 12.
96	P. Ramachandra Rao v. State of Karnataka	2002	No time limit for trials; case-by-case.
97	Zahira Habibullah Sheikh v. State of Gujarat	2004	Fair trial in Best Bakery case; retrial ordered.
98	Selvi v. State of Karnataka	2010	Narco-analysis involuntary; violates Article 20(3).
99	R. Rajagopal v. State of Tamil Nadu	1994	Right to privacy limited for public servants' actions.
100	K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (Aadhaar)	2018	Biometric data collection proportional; money laundering exception.

This list focuses on enduring precedents essential for lawyers, judges, and exams.

Landmark Judgments Every Lawyer Should Know

Landmark Judgments Every Lawyer Should Know

100 Landmark Judgments in India

1. Constitutional Law

1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) – Basic Structure Doctrine.

2. Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975) – Free & fair elections part of basic structure.

3. Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980) – Balance between Fundamental Rights & DPSPs.

4. Waman Rao v. Union of India (1981) – Judicial review of 9th Schedule post-Kesavananda.

5. I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu (2007) – 9th Schedule laws subject to basic structure.

6. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) – Limits on President’s Rule (Art. 356).

7. Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006) – Open ballot system for Rajya Sabha valid.

8. State of West Bengal v. Union of India (1962) – States not sovereign, Parliament supreme.

9. R.C. Cooper v. Union of India (1970) – Fundamental rights must be read broadly.

10. Berubari Union Case (1960) – Presidential reference on ceding territory.

2. Fundamental Rights

11. A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (1950) – Preventive detention law upheld (narrow view).

12. State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951) – First amendment after reservation issue.

13. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) – Due process; expanded scope of Art. 21.

14. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corp (1985) – Right to livelihood under Art. 21.

15. Unni Krishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1993) – Right to education as fundamental.

16. Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka (1992) – Education fundamental to life.

17. Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) – Sec 66A IT Act struck down.

18. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) – Right to privacy fundamental.

19. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018) – Sec 377 IPC partially struck down.

20. Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018) – Sec 497 IPC (adultery) unconstitutional.

3. Emergency & Judicial Review

21. ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (1976) – Habeas corpus suspended in Emergency.

22. Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975) – Election dispute & Emergency.

23. A.D.M. Jabalpur dissent of Justice HR Khanna – Liberty above the Constitution (later upheld).

24. K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) – Overruled ADM Jabalpur.

25. L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997) – Judicial review part of basic structure.

4. Reservation & Social Justice

26. Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992) – Mandal Commission; 27% OBC reservation; creamy layer.

27. M. Nagaraj v. Union of India (2006) – Reservation in promotion needs proof.

28. Jarnail Singh v. Lachhmi Narain Gupta (2018) – Modified Nagaraj; no quantifiable data required.

29. Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. Union of India (2008) – OBC reservation in higher education valid.

30. State of Kerala v. N.M. Thomas (1976) – Reservation in promotion justified.

5. Criminal Law

31. Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980) – “Rarest of rare” doctrine for death penalty.

32. Machhi Singh v. State of Punjab (1983) – Expanded “rarest of rare” doctrine.

33. D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997) – Guidelines on arrest & custody.

34. State of Maharashtra v. Praful Desai (2003) – Evidence via video conferencing valid.

35. Kartar Singh v. State of Punjab (1994) – TADA constitutional with safeguards.

36. Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts (2014) – Death sentence commuted for delay.

37. State of Punjab v. Baldev Singh (1999) – NDPS Act, rights of accused.

38. Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration (1978) – Prisoners’ rights under Art. 21.

39. Maneka Gandhi principle applied in criminal trials – Fair trial part of life & liberty.

40. Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010) – Narco-analysis & polygraph tests violate Art. 20(3).

6. Civil & Property Law

41. Ayodhya Title Dispute (2019) – Balanced title suit; Ram Mandir allowed.

42. State of Bihar v. Kameshwar Singh (1952) – Land reforms & compensation.

43. Bishan Das v. State of Punjab (1962) – Religious property protection.

44. K.T. Plantation v. State of Karnataka (2011) – Compensation not mandatory in all takings.

45. Kameshwar Prasad v. State of Bihar (1962) – Right to property restricted post-abolition.

7. Family Law

46. Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum (1985) – Maintenance for Muslim women under Sec 125 CrPC.

47. Danial Latifi v. Union of India (2001) – Muslim Women Act constitutional.

48. Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017) – Triple Talaq unconstitutional.

49. Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India (1995) – Second marriage after conversion invalid.

50. Seema v. Ashwani Kumar (2006) – Compulsory registration of marriage.

8. Environmental Law

51. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Oleum Gas Leak, 1986) – Absolute liability principle.

52. M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath (1997) – Public trust doctrine.

53. Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996) – Precautionary & polluter pays principles.

54. Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action v. Union of India (1996) – Environmental clean-up liability.

55. T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India (1997) – Expanded definition of forest.

56. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Ganga Pollution, 1988) – Closure of polluting tanneries.

57. Union Carbide v. Union of India (1989) – Bhopal Gas Tragedy, strict liability.

58. Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action (1996) – Hazardous industries liability.

59. Essar Oil v. Halar Utkarsh Samiti (2004) – Environmental clearance mandatory.

60. Narmada Bachao Andolan v. Union of India (2000) – Development vs. environment.

9. Labour & Service Law

61. Randhir Singh v. Union of India (1982) – Equal pay for equal work.

62. Daily Rated Casual Labour v. Union of India (1988) – Casual labourers’ rights.

63. State of Karnataka v. Umadevi (2006) – Regularisation of temporary employees restricted.

64. Secretary, State of Karnataka v. Uma Devi (2006) – No automatic absorption of contract workers.

65. Air India v. Nergesh Meerza (1981) – Gender discrimination in service conditions struck down.

10. Corporate & Commercial Law

66. Tata Consultancy Services v. State of Andhra Pradesh (2004) – Software is “goods.”

67. LIC of India v. Consumer Education & Research Centre (1995) – Right to health for employees.

68. Vodafone International Holdings v. Union of India (2012) – Tax avoidance v. evasion.

69. Reliance Natural Resources Ltd v. Reliance Industries Ltd (2010) – Gas pricing; government ownership.

70. BALCO v. Kaiser Aluminium (2002) – Arbitration law clarified.

11. Consumer Protection & Media Law

71. Indian Medical Association v. V.P. Shantha (1995) – Medical services under Consumer Act.

72. Spring Meadows Hospital v. Harjot Ahluwalia (1998) – Compensation for medical negligence.

73. Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) – Data protection linked to privacy.

74. Sakal Papers v. Union of India (1962) – Freedom of press; price-page policy struck down.

75. Bennett Coleman v. Union of India (1973) – Newsprint policy unconstitutional.

12. Election Law

76. Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975) – Fair elections part of basic structure.

77. People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India (2003) – Voter’s right to know (affidavits).

78. Union of India v. Association for Democratic Reforms (2002) – Disclosure of candidate info.

79. Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013) – Disqualification of convicted MPs/MLAs.

80. Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006) – RS elections by open ballot.

13. Miscellaneous Important Cases

81. Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa (1993) – Compensation for custodial deaths.

82. Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration (1978) – Prisoners’ rights.

83. Prem Shankar Shukla v. Delhi Administration (1980) – Handcuffing violates Art. 21.

84. Indian Express v. Union of India (1985) – Freedom of press & taxation.

85. Rajendra Prasad v. State of UP (1979) – Scope of death penalty.

86. Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979) – Right to speedy trial.

87. Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India (1984) – Bonded labour eradication.

88. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) – Sexual harassment guidelines.

89. Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011) – Passive euthanasia permitted.

90. Common Cause v. Union of India (2018) – Right to die with dignity (living wills).

91. Shiv Kant Shukla v. ADM Jabalpur – (Reaffirmed liberty later).

92. Prakash Singh v. Union of India (2006) – Police reforms.

93. Jagmohan Singh v. State of UP (1973) – First case on constitutionality of death penalty.

94. Anuj Garg v. Hotel Association of India (2008) – Gender equality in employment.

95. Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986) – Right not to sing National Anthem.

96. Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala (2018) – Sabarimala entry of women.

97. Municipal Council, Ratlam v. Vardichan (1980) – Duty of municipality to protect environment.

98. MC Mehta v. Union of India (Taj Trapezium, 1997) – Pollution control near Taj Mahal.

99. Hinsa Virodhak Sangh v. Mirzapur Moti Kuresh Jamat (2008) – Animal rights.

100. Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India (2015) – NJAC unconstitutional; judicial primacy in appointments.