The structure owes its stability to the basic physics of its curved legs; the more weight they hold (up to the maximum load of 80 pounds), the steadier they are.

The need for the basic structure doctrine arose because the Indian Constitution failed to specify a suitable institutional hierarchy, delineation of powers, and checks and balances.

According to Justice William Ouko, the term ‘Basic Structure’ has become a household name.

So the basic structure doctrine is itself flawed. But in times of brute majority, it can come to the aid of the citizen and to the aid of democracy.

The contentious Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, violates the landmark Supreme Court judgment on the "basic structure" doctrine of the Constitution, a senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader has claimed.

Congress criticizes former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi for calling the basic structure doctrine of the Indian Constitution 'debatable'.