Meaning of Judicial Review:
The judicial review empowers the Supreme Court to protect the constitution. If the federal and the state governments do not comply with their constitutional responsibilities or misinterpret the law, or curtail the fundamental rights of the people – any such act of the parliament or of the legislature may be declared unlawful by the Supreme Court. Besides this, the Supreme Court can analyse and revise its own decision in the light of the new facts and can even change its decision. According to M.B Payalee, “To declare a law made by the legislature constitutional or unconstitutional is the spirit of judicial review.
Significance of Judicial Review:
From the following points, we may clarify the significance of judicial revision:
1. Protection of fundamental rights:
The Supreme, Court has the right to review the autocratic tendencies of the legislature and the executive and protect the fundamental rights of the citizens. It there is no control of the Supreme Court over these bodies, the fundamental rights and the freedom of the citizens would be in danger.
2. Protection of the constitution:
The Supreme Court has declared only those laws unlawful, which were against the constitutional laws. So, the Supreme Court has protected the constitution from time to time.
3. Stability to the federal government:
The power of judicial review is very essential for the Supreme Court. With this power of judicial review, the Supreme Court has checked the federal government from interfering with the administration of the states.
4. The Supreme Court has checked all the administrative units from interfering with one anther and has given them no opportunity for developing autocratic tendencies. The power of judicial review is significant in maintaining the dignity of all the administrative units.
