Reviewed case brief

Kartar Singh v. State of Punjab

(1994) 3 SCC 569

The Constitution Bench decision on TADA holding that fair trial rights are non-derogable even in anti-terrorism legislation.

fair-trialTADAterrorismarticle-21special-legislationsem-5
Court
Supreme Court of India
Year
1994
Subjects
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Reviewed
2026-06-29

Rule established

Even in special anti-terrorism legislation, basic fair trial safeguards cannot be eliminated. Accused must have right to legal representation, cross-examination, knowledge of charges, speedy trial, and protection against self-incrimination.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        SCC

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.