Which case is associated with the Supreme Court striking down the 99th Constitutional Amendment (NJAC)?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association Case (2015)

Explanation:

• The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association vs Union of India (2015) case is directly linked to the striking down of the 99th Constitutional Amendment.
• This amendment aimed to replace the existing collegium system with the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) for the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary.
• The Supreme Court declared the NJAC unconstitutional and void, stating it violated the basic structure of the Constitution, particularly judicial independence.
• The judgment restored the collegium system, where judges are appointed by a panel of senior judges.
• The verdict emphasized that the executive cannot have a dominant role in judicial appointments.

Information Booster:

• The 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014, and the NJAC Act, 2014, were passed by Parliament and ratified by a majority of states.
• NJAC proposed a six-member body including the Chief Justice of India, two senior judges, Law Minister, and two eminent persons.
• The Supreme Court ruled (4:1 majority) that this compromised the independence of the judiciary.
• The case reaffirmed the doctrine of separation of powers.
• It highlighted the role of judicial review in safeguarding constitutional principles.

Additional Knowledge:
Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973) (Option a)

• Laid down the Basic Structure Doctrine, limiting Parliament's power to amend the Constitution.
• Not related to NJAC directly.

Golaknath Case (1967) (Option b)

• Held that Fundamental Rights cannot be amended by Parliament.
• Preceded Kesavananda Bharati and was overruled partially by it.

Minerva Mills Case (1980) (Option d)

• Reaffirmed the basic structure doctrine, particularly regarding judicial review and balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.
• Not related to judicial appointments.