Elements of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution as enunciated by the Supreme Court include:

A. Free and fair elections

B. Secularism

C. Federalism

D. Supremacy of the fundamental rights over directive principles of state policy 

Choose the correct answer: 

Key Points

• Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of democratic governance, ensuring that all eligible citizens have the right to vote and that their votes are counted accurately.
• Secularism is a fundamental principle of the Indian Constitution, ensuring that the state treats all religions equally and does not favor or discriminate against any religion.
• Federalism in the Indian context refers to the division of powers between the central government and state governments, allowing for a balance of power and local governance.
• The Supremacy of the fundamental rights over directive principles of state policy is not considered an element of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution as per the Supreme Court. The correct elements are A, B, and C only.

Additional Information

• Basic Structure Doctrine:
  • This doctrine was established by the Supreme Court of India in the landmark case of Keshavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973).
  • The doctrine implies that while the Parliament has wide powers to amend the Constitution, it cannot alter or destroy its 'basic structure'.
  • Key elements identified as part of the basic structure include the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, doctrine of separation of powers, and the objectives specified in the Preamble, including a sovereign, democratic, and secular character of the polity.
• Free and Fair Elections:
  • Ensures the democratic right of citizens to choose their representatives.
  • Conducted under the supervision of the Election Commission of India, an autonomous constitutional authority.
• Secularism:
  • Ensures that the state does not favor any religion and respects all religions equally.
  • Enshrined in the Preamble and various articles of the Indian Constitution, including Article 25 to 28.
• Federalism:
  • Refers to the division of powers between the central government and state governments.
  • Ensures a balance of power, allowing local governance and addressing local issues effectively.
  • Reflected in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, which lists the subjects under the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.