The Doctrine of Judicial Review: A Critical Examination

Judicial review constitutes a foundational pillar of modern constitutional democracies. It empowers the judiciary to scrutinize the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions, thereby ensuring that all organs of the State operate within the constitutional boundaries prescribed for them. Within the Indian constitutional framework, judicial review functions not merely as a procedural device but as an essential component of the Constitution’s basic structure. This paper undertakes a critical examination of the origin, scope, evolution, and contemporary challenges associated with the doctrine of judicial review, with particular emphasis on its development and application in India.