In a noteworthy move, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud recently declared that the landmark Kesavananda Bharati verdict, which established the pivotal "basic structure doctrine" of the Constitution, can now be accessed in 10 Indian languages on the Supreme Court website.

This announcement coincides with the nation observing the 50th anniversary of the historic judgment.

The celebrated 1973 ruling on the "basic structure" doctrine significantly limited the expansive powers of Parliament to amend the Constitution. Simultaneously, it empowered the judiciary to scrutinize any amendment for potential violations of its fundamental principles.

As 2023 marks the golden jubilee of the Keshavananda Bharti case, the CJI unveiled plans for a dedicated web page commemorating the judgment. This initiative aims to make the information more inclusive and accessible to a broader audience by translating it into various Indian languages. The CJI emphasized the importance of overcoming language barriers, recognizing that they can impede a genuine understanding of the court's work.

This announcement was made just before the commencement of hearings on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of section 6A of the Citizenship Act. This section specifically addresses issues related to illegal immigrants in Assam. The CJI's commitment to linguistic inclusivity underscores the judiciary's ongoing efforts to bridge gaps and enhance public understanding of constitutional matters.

The Supreme Court's initiative to provide multilingual access to such a pivotal judgment reflects a commitment to transparency, accessibility, and commemorating the constitutional legacy of the Kesavananda Bharati case.