Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
Prospective Overruling
Constitutional & Public Law Doctrines
Definition
A doctrine imported from American jurisprudence in Golaknath v. State of Punjab, where a constitutional court declares a law or prior judicial interpretation invalid, but directs that the ruling will apply solely to future cases, leaving past concluded transactions undisturbed.
Example
A Supreme Court Constitution Bench alters the interpretation of land acquisition notification timelines, but specifies that acquisitions concluded prior to the date of judgment will not be reopened.