The Doctrine of Eclipse and the Doctrine of Severability are tools used by courts to either temporarily hide or surgically remove unconstitutional parts of laws, ensuring that the rest of the legislation survives and aligns with the Constitution.
Introduction
Not all laws are perfect. Sometimes, a part of a law violates the Constitution. Should the entire law be thrown out? Or can we fix the bad part and keep the rest?
This is where the Doctrine of Eclipse and the Doctrine of Severability help. They’re like legal first-aid tools that the courts use to save good laws from being completely invalidated.
Doctrine of Eclipse
What It Means
The Doctrine of Eclipse says that a law that violates Fundamental Rights isn’t dead—it’s just overshadowed (eclipsed) and becomes unenforceable. But if the constitutional conflict is removed, the law can shine again.
This doctrine is usually applied to pre-Constitutional laws—laws that were made before the Constitution came into effect (26 Jan 1950).
Example: Bhikaji Narain Dhakras v. State of M.P. (1955)
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A transport law passed before 1950 was challenged because it violated Article 19(1)(g) (right to carry on business).
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The Court held that the law was eclipsed, not void.
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Later, when the Constitution was amended to allow such laws, the eclipse was removed, and the law became valid again.
Key Points
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Applies to pre-Constitution laws
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Law is not void, just temporarily ineffective
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Can be revived if the reason for unconstitutionality is removed
Doctrine of Severability
What It Means
The Doctrine of Severability allows the court to cut off (sever) the unconstitutional part of a law and keep the rest if it is still valid and workable.
Think of it like cutting off a rotten branch of a healthy tree instead of chopping the whole tree down.
Example: R.M.D. Chamarbaugwalla v. Union of India (1957)
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A law regulating gambling was challenged.
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The Court severed the unconstitutional parts and upheld the rest of the law that regulated games of skill.
Key Points
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Applies to both pre- and post-Constitution laws
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If the valid and invalid parts are separable, the valid portion survives
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Protects the intent of the legislature
⚖️ Comparison Table
| Feature | Doctrine of Eclipse | Doctrine of Severability |
|---|---|---|
| Applies to | Pre-Constitution laws | Any law (pre or post Constitution) |
| Result | Law becomes dormant (not void) | Unconstitutional part is removed |
| Revival possible? | Yes, if the conflict is removed | Not needed, as the rest continues |
Why These Doctrines Matter
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🛡️ Protect legislative intent – They save useful laws from being totally scrapped.
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⚖️ Maintain constitutional harmony – Helps laws stay within the framework of Fundamental Rights.
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🔧 Provide flexibility to judiciary – Offers tools for nuanced interpretation.
Conclusion
The Doctrine of Eclipse and Doctrine of Severability are the judiciary’s smart tools to ensure that laws don’t fall apart just because one section is unconstitutional. These doctrines preserve the good, remove the bad, and protect the Constitution’s integrity.
They’re a perfect example of how the law isn’t always black or white—it often requires careful balancing and thoughtful interpretation.