Minerva Mills v. Union of India
Breaking News: CONSTITUTIONAL BALANCE RESTORED: NO UNLIMITED POWER TO PARLIAMENT!
The Balance of Power
Case Summary
Restored the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.
The Full Story & Context
During the Emergency, the government passed the 42nd Amendment, saying Parliament can change ANYTHING and no court can check it. Minerva Mills, a textile company, challenged this. The court had to stand up for its own power to protect the people.
Key Legal Players
- Bench: 5-Judge Bench
- Chief Justice:
The Verdict
The Constitution is supreme, not Parliament. Parliament's power to amend is limited. Judicial Review is part of the Basic Structure.
Legal & Democratic Impact
It stopped India from becoming a 'Parliamentary Dictatorship'. It confirmed that courts are the final guardians of rights.
Simple Analogy
A bird needs two wings to fly. One wing is your Rights, the other is the Government's Duties. You cannot favor one over the other.