Kerala High Court strikes down ban on women working in toddy shops

Court Ruling

The Kerala High Court has struck down a provision of the Kerala Abkari rules that stopped women from working in toddy shops. The Court held that this rule violated the rights to equality and non-discrimination. It also ruled that the ban went against the right to equal public opportunity and the right to life with human dignity.

Context

Abkari rules deal with laws and regulations around alcoholic drinks and local brew shops in the region. Courts regularly review older laws to ensure they match modern constitutional guarantees of equal treatment for all citizens. Removing workplace bans opens up new job options in sectors that were previously closed to women.