Explanation:

In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), Parliament laid down a new doctrine of the ‘basic structure’ (or basic features’) of the Constitution. It ruled that the constituent power of Parliament under Article 368 does not enable it to alter the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution. This means that the Parliament cannot abridge or take away a Fundamental Right that forms a part of the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution. The Parliament under Article 368 can amend any part of the Constitution including the Fundamental Rights but without affecting the basic structure of the Constitution. However, the Supreme Court is yet to define or clarify as to what constitutes the basic structure of the Constitution. From the various judgments, the following have emerged as ‘basic features’ of the Constitution or elements / components / ingredients of the ‘basic structure’ of the constitution:

• Supremacy of the Constitution, Sovereign, democratic and republican nature of the Indian polity Secular character of the Constitution, Separation of powers between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, Federal character of the Constitution, Unity and integrity of the nation, Welfare  state (socio-economic justice), Judicial review, Freedom and dignity of the individual,

Parliamentary system

• Rule of law, Harmony and balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, Principle of equality Free and fair elections, Independence of Judiciary, Limited power of Parliament to amend the Constitution, Effective access to justice, Principle of reasonableness, Powers of the Supreme Court under Articles 32, 136, 141 and 142.