Equality Provisions — Landmark Judgments

Landmark Judgments

Air India v. Nergesh Meerza

1981

This landmark case challenged discriminatory service conditions for air hostesses, establishing that employment rules cannot discriminate against women based on marriage or…

Indira Sawhney v. Union of India

1992

While primarily about caste-based reservations, this case established crucial principles about equality of opportunity under Article 16 that apply to gender equality. The Court…

Anuj Garg v. Hotel Association of India

2008

This case marked a paradigm shift in gender equality jurisprudence by recognizing that some 'protective' laws actually perpetuate gender stereotypes. The Court struck down…

Joseph Shine v. Union of India

2018

The Supreme Court struck down Section 497 (adultery) of the IPC, holding it violated Articles 14, 15, and 21. The judgment recognized women's sexual autonomy and agency, marking a…

Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan

1997

In the absence of specific legislation, the Court used Articles 14, 15, and 21 to establish comprehensive guidelines for preventing sexual harassment at workplaces. This case…

C.B. Muthamma v. Union of India

1979

This case challenged discriminatory rules in the Indian Foreign Service requiring women officers to seek permission before marriage. The Court held such rules violated Article 16,…