Meet Justice S.M. Sikri and his Notable Judicial decisions
- ByPravleen Kaur --
- 17 Jun 2025 --
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Justice Sarv Mittra Sikri (1908–1992) was the 13th Chief Justice of India, serving from January 22, 1971, to April 25, 1973. He holds the distinction of being the first person to be directly elevated from the Bar to the Supreme Court bench and the first Chief Justice to be appointed directly from the Bar. Born in Lahore, Sikri studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, and was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn before returning to India to practice law at the Lahore High Court in 1930. After Independence, he became Assistant Advocate General and then Advocate General of Punjab, holding the latter position until his Supreme Court appointment in 1964.
Judicial Career and Philosophy
Justice Sikri was known for his legal acumen, independence, and commitment to constitutional values. He was a member of several landmark benches and played a pivotal role during a turbulent period in Indian constitutional history. Sikri’s judgments emphasized the supremacy of the Constitution, the protection of fundamental rights, and the doctrine of limited government power.
Landmark Judgments
1. I.C. Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967)
Justice Sikri was part of the historic 6:5 majority in Golaknath, which held that Parliament could not amend or abridge Fundamental Rights enshrined in Part III of the Constitution. This judgment reversed previous decisions and established that fundamental rights were inviolable, significantly strengthening civil liberties and limiting legislative power.
2. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
As Chief Justice, Sikri presided over the largest-ever Supreme Court bench (13 judges) in the Kesavananda Bharati case. The Court, by a narrow majority, held that while Parliament has wide powers to amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its “basic structure”. Sikri was a principal architect of the “basic structure doctrine,” which remains the cornerstone of Indian constitutional law, ensuring that core constitutional values—such as democracy, secularism, and the rule of law—are beyond the reach of transient parliamentary majorities.
3. R.C. Cooper v. Union of India (1970) (Bank Nationalisation Case)
Justice Sikri was part of the bench that struck down the government’s bank nationalisation ordinance, holding that the right to property and the effect of laws on fundamental rights must be carefully scrutinized. This case expanded the scope of judicial review and reinforced the protection of individual rights against state action.
4. Privy Purse Case (Madhav Rao Scindia v. Union of India, 1971)
Justice Sikri was on the bench that invalidated the government’s move to abolish privy purses and privileges of former rulers, holding that the President’s order was justiciable and subject to judicial review. The judgment reinforced constitutional checks on executive action.
Legacy
Justice S.M. Sikri’s tenure as Chief Justice was brief but transformative. His leadership in the Kesavananda Bharati case established enduring principles that continue to safeguard the Constitution’s core values. He was also active in international law, legal education, and public service after retirement. Sikri is remembered as a jurist of vision, integrity, and profound influence on Indian constitutional jurisprudence.
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