Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India
Ratio: Consensual same-sex relations decriminalised.
"Constitutional morality cannot be martyred at the altar of social morality."
Common Cause v. Union of India (Passive Euthanasia)
Ratio: Living will framework recognised.
"The right to live with dignity extends to a dignified death."
K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India
Ratio: Right to privacy is protected under Part III.
"Privacy is the constitutional core of human dignity."
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India
Ratio: Overbroad speech restrictions unconstitutional.
"Discussion or advocacy is at the heart of Article 19(1)(a)."
Vodafone International Holdings v. Union of India
Ratio: Section 9(1)(i) did not cover indirect transfers pre-amendment.
Selvi v. State of Karnataka (Narco-analysis)
Ratio: No such tests without consent.
"Compulsory administration of narco tests violates the right against self-incrimination."
Vishakhapatnam Port Trust — Consumer Protection
Ratio: Deficiency in service actionable in consumer forum.
Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan
Ratio: Sexual harassment violates Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(g) and 21.
"Gender equality includes protection from sexual harassment."
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Oleum Gas Leak)
Ratio: No exceptions to Rylands v. Fletcher-style liability in hazardous industry.
"An enterprise engaged in a hazardous or inherently dangerous activity owes an absolute and non-delegable duty."
Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India
Ratio: PIL remedy for bonded labour.
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
Ratio: Article 21 procedure must satisfy Articles 14 and 19.
"The procedure must be fair, just and reasonable, not fanciful, oppressive or arbitrary."
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
Ratio: Article 368 does not authorise destruction of the Constitution's essential features.
"The basic structure of the Constitution cannot be destroyed."
R.C. Cooper v. Union of India (Bank Nationalisation)
Ratio: Rights are not water-tight compartments.
Balfour v. Balfour (referred in Indian contract law)
Ratio: Absence of intention defeats contract.