Landmark Supreme Court case · 2018
Indian Young Lawyers Assn. v. State of Kerala
Why this case matters
Exclusion of women from Sabarimala failed the test of equality and freedom of religion.
Connected constitutional articles
Article 14 — Equality before law
The State must treat people equally before the law. It can classify groups for a genuine public reason, but it cannot be arbitrary or personal in who gets the benefit of the law.
Article 15 — Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth
Citizens cannot be shut out of public life only because of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Special measures for women, children, and disadvantaged groups are still allowed.
Article 25 — Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion
Everyone may hold a faith, practise it, and share it, subject to public order, morality, and health. The State may still regulate economic or political activity dressed up as religion, and social-welfare reforms.