Joseph Shine v. Union of India
(2019) 3 SCC 39 · Supreme Court of India
A criminal law that treats women as property of the husband violates Articles 14, 15 and 21.
Unit I · Law Relating to Women
Articles 14–16, 21 and 39
Study aid only. Confirm statute numbers with the current bare Act and the official OU LL.B. (3-YDC) 2024–25 syllabus PDF.
Statute sections
| Act / instrument | Section | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Constitution of India | 14 | Equality before law |
| Constitution of India | 15 | Prohibition of discrimination; special provision for women |
| Constitution of India | 16 | Equality of opportunity in public employment |
| Constitution of India | 21 / 39 | Life and liberty; directive principles on livelihood and equal pay |
Landmark cases
Indian Young Lawyers Assn. v. State of Kerala
(2019) 11 SCC 1 · Supreme Court of India
Exclusion of women aged 10–50 from Sabarimala failed Articles 14, 15 and 25 and was not an essential religious practice.
Shayara Bano v. Union of India
(2017) 9 SCC 1 · Supreme Court of India
Instant triple talaq is arbitrary and violates equality and dignity.