Examine the evolution of Fundamental Rights versus Directive Principles: In which landmark judgment did the Supreme Court establish the doctrine of harmonious construction between Part III and Part IV, stating that the Constitution ought to be read as an integrated scheme?

💡 Solution & Explanation

In the Minerva Mills versus Union of India case of 1980, the Supreme Court held that the Indian Constitution is founded on the bedrock of the balance between Part III and Part IV, and giving absolute primacy to one over the other would upset the harmony of the Constitution. The Champakam Dorairajan case earlier held that Fundamental Rights prevailed over Directive Principles. The Golaknath case ruled that Parliament could not amend Fundamental Rights. The Kesavananda Bharati judgment established the basic structure doctrine. Harmony between social welfare goals and individual liberties remains vital.