The Kerala high court has ordered that women should also be employed in liquor shops run by state. HC observed that the state government laws against the appointment of women in Bevco shops is unconstitutional.
The HC ruling says that policy of restricting women is in violation of provisions under Article 14, equality before law, and Article 15, which stands against gender-based discrimination. The court also cited a Supreme Court order stating that such discrimination cannot be allowed as women are willing to work.
The Times of India reports that HC ruling condemned the 7(37) of Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules.
The ruling came after considering two petitions filed by seven women from Kollam district, who were denied jobs in Kerala Beverages Corporation even after their names were there in rank list. They had claimed that even the lower-ranked men in the list had got appointment.
Advocate Kaleeswaram Raj, who appeared for petitioners, cited three SC decisions to prove that this was a case of discrimination and to argue that Kerala government policies on this regard is unconstitutional.
HC has also ordered the Kerala Public Service Commission to appoint the petitioners in Bevco immediately. The court also gave the provision to appoint them in supernumerary vacancies if no posts are vacant now.