The government has just lost three important battles in court: Golak Nath, bank nationalisation and privy purses. Indira Gandhi, newly re-elected, is determined to implement her socialist vision, even if this means trampling on the fundamental rights.

Three of her most trusted ministers get to work—SS Ray, HR Gokhale and Mohan Kumaramangalam. They plot to undo the Golak Nath ruling, which prevents them from passing constitutional amendments that clash with fundamental rights. They pass the 24th and 25th constitutional amendments.

Nani Palkhivala, fresh of his legal victories against the government begins publicly criticising these. A Kerala seer called Kesavananda Bharati is one of hundreds of petitioners who moves court against the takeover of his lands.

This sets in motion a legal challenge: Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala

Credits

• Host: Raghu Karnad
• Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli
• Research: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli
• Legal Research: Aishwarya Chaturvedi
• Script writing: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli
• Script Editor: Supriya Nair
• Producer: Gaurav Vaz
• Sound Design, Score & Title Track: Saachi Rajadhyaksha
• Mixing & Mastering: Ayan De
• Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan

Clips used:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb-QjXcF0qQ
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8rePbSkHcE
• https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/tr-andhyarujinakesavananda-bharati-1131229.html
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMEtX1n-BlY
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9PqkitIUsQ
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6vyF9u542c
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=422teIzGvyA
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUHkTJUcQvY
• https://bangaloreinternationalcentre.org/event/87-kesavananda-bharati-and-the-basic-structure-doctrine-sudhir-krishnaswamy-and-shruti-viswanathan/