Question

Match List - I with List - II.  

\[ \begin{array}{|l|l|} \hline \textbf{List - I (Judicial Decisions)} & \textbf{List - II (Year)} \\ \hline A.\ \text{Minerva Mills} & I.\ 1980 \\ \hline B.\ \text{Shankari Prasad} & II.\ 1952 \\ \hline C.\ \text{A.K. Gopalan} & III.\ 1950 \\ \hline D.\ \text{Kesavananda Bharati} & IV.\ 1973 \\ \hline \end{array} \] 
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
• B. A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
• C. A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
• D. A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

Hint:

The cases follow the Logic of History: first Gopalan (1950 - early testing), then Kesavananda (1973 - the limit is set), and then Minerva Mills (1980 - the limit is reinforced).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: This matching question tracks the chronological evolution of constitutional law in India, specifically regarding the power of judicial review and the limits on Parliament's amending power.

Step 1: Analyzing the Early Republic Era.

• C. A.K. Gopalan vs. State of Madras (1950): One of the first major cases after the Constitution came into effect, focusing on preventive detention and the narrow interpretation of Article 21 at the time. (C-III)
• B. Shankari Prasad vs. Union of India (1951/52): This was the first challenge to the validity of the First Amendment. The Court initially ruled that Parliament has the power to amend any part of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights. (B-II)

Step 2: Analyzing the Basic Structure Era.

• D. Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala (1973): The landmark 13-judge bench case that overturned earlier precedents and established that the "Basic Structure" of the Constitution cannot be amended. (D-IV)
• A. Minerva Mills vs. Union of India (1980): This case further strengthened the Basic Structure doctrine by striking down portions of the 42nd Amendment that attempted to give Parliament unlimited amending power. (A-I)

Step 3: Final Sequence.
Mapping A-I, B-II, C-III, and D-IV leads to Option (1).