---
title: "Basic Structure Doctrine in Indian Law | Model Diplomat"
description: "The basic structure doctrine asserts that Parliament can't alter the Constitution's essential framework, protecting its core principles from amendments."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/basic-structure"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The basic structure doctrine holds that Parliament's amending power under Article 368 cannot alter the Constitution's essential framework, which courts may strike down even validly enacted amendments to protect.
- Which case originated the basic structure doctrine and by what margin?
- How did Minerva Mills (1980) develop the doctrine?
- Are Ninth Schedule laws immune from the basic structure test?
- Is there a fixed list of basic structure features?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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