With reference to the Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules, 2002, consider the following statements: 1. The rules prohibited women from working in toddy shops. 2. The court upheld the rule to protect women from exploitation in remote locations. 3. The Kerala High Court ruled the ban violated constitutional rights to equality and trade. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Kerala High Court strikes down rule prohibiting women from working in toddy shops

GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)· Prelims + Mains· 30 October 2026

Gender equality vs. protective discrimination: a GS2 case study on constitutional rights and employment.

Why in news

The Kerala High Court struck down a provision of the Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules, 2002, which prohibited women from working in toddy shops, ruling it violated constitutional rights.

Background

Justice P. The State argued the rule was intended to protect women from exploitation in remote locations.

Facts for Prelims

PlaceThrissur: District in Kerala where the petitioner is a native
BodyKerala High Court: Judicial body that struck down the rule
Act / BillKerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules, 2002: Rules prohibiting women from working in toddy shops
FactThe court ruled the ban violated constitutional rights to equality and trade

Prelims practice question

With reference to the Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules, 2002, consider the following statements:

The rules prohibited women from working in toddy shops.
The court upheld the rule to protect women from exploitation in remote locations.
The Kerala High Court ruled the ban violated constitutional rights to equality and trade.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)3 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The court struck down the rule as it violated constitutional rights.

For Mains

Q. Critically examine the conflict between state-led protective measures for women and the constitutional right to equality in employment opportunities.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Constitutional conflict: Right to equality and freedom of trade vs. state-mandated protective discrimination
Gendered labor barriers: Impact of exclusionary regulations on women's workforce participation in informal sectors

Keywords: Constitutional morality · Gender equality · Protective discrimination · Right to trade · Judicial activism

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: The Hindu ↗Also: GS2 · Fundamental rights, DPSP & duties Also: GS2 · Bills, Acts & ordinances

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