The basic structure doctrine is an inviolable guideline that protects and preserves the spirit of the Constitution. The Supreme Court can declare any constitutional amendment passed by Parliament null and void if it is found to be in breach of the basic structure.
The monsoon session of Parliament was the first to be held in the new Parliament building. Despite disruptions and protests by the opposition benches, it saw some historically significant legislations.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is a pioneer law of data privacy, but critics say it gives enough exemptions to government surveillance on citizens by bullying high tech companies.
The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 was another source of discord. It came under heavy opposition from environmentalists who said it empowers the Centre to potentially sell, divert and exploit forest areas without any regulatory oversight. The government admits the amendment exempts certain categories of lands from the purview of the Act, but stresses it only meant to fast track projects of national importance. Besides, it claims the Act has new provisions to boost forest cover in the country.
