VIJAY LAKSHMI versus PUNJAB UNIVERSITY AND ORS.

VIJAY LAKSHMI versus PUNJAB UNIVERSITY AND ORS.

Reservation for women in appointments as Principals, teachers, and hostel superintendents in women’s colleges is constitutionally valid, as such classification is reasonable, has a legitimate nexus with the protective object sought to be achieved, and is expressly permitted by Article 15(3) of the Constitution....

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Appellant: Vijay Lakshmi; Respondents: Punjab University and Ors.
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
23 September 2003
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Appeal From Judgment and Order Dated 16.5.69 of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in C.w.p. No. 11694 of 1994
Outcome
Appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Reservation for Women, Equality Before Law, Gender Classification, Appointments in Educational Institutions
Constitutional Law Reservation for Women Equality Before Law Gender Classification Appointments in Educational Institutions

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Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Vijay Lakshmi

Appellant

Punjab University and Ors.

Respondents

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appeal From Judgment and Order Dated 16.5.69 of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in C.w.p. No. 11694 of 1994

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether reservation for women for the posts of Principal, teacher, and hostel superintendent in women's colleges violates Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution
  2. 2 Whether Rules 5, 8, and 10 of Punjab University Calendar Volume III are constitutionally valid

Ratio Decidendi

Reservation for women in appointments as Principals, teachers, and hostel superintendents in women’s colleges is constitutionally valid, as such classification is reasonable, has a legitimate nexus with the protective object sought to be achieved, and is expressly permitted by Article 15(3) of the Constitution. Articles 14, 15, and 16 must be read together; the State’s power to make special provisions for women is not restricted by Article 16, and the courts should not interfere with State policy decisions in this sphere.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed

Orders

  • Impugned judgment of the High Court striking down Rules 5, 8 & 10 of Punjab University Calendar Volume III as violative of Articles 14 or 16 is set aside.
  • Minority view holding Rules 5, 8 & 10 are not violative of Articles 14 or 16 is upheld.