What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? (UPSC 2015)

I.R. Coelho clarified that laws placed in the Ninth Schedule after 24 April 1973 are not beyond judicial scrutiny. If such laws damage the basic structure, especially the core of Articles 14, 19 and 21, they can be struck down.

• No blanket immunity: Article 31B does not protect every Ninth Schedule law from review.
• Effect over form: the court applied the direct impact and effect test, not merely the text of the amendment.
• Basic structure control: Parliament cannot use the Ninth Schedule to destroy constitutional essentials.

Yes, judicial review is a key basic feature. It protects constitutional supremacy, checks legislative and executive excess, and gives real force to fundamental rights. Without it, other basic features would have little practical value.

Thus, Coelho strengthened the idea that judicial review is not just important but central to the Constitution’s identity and survival.