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

The Kerala High Court has struck down a provision of the Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules, 2002, that barred women from working in toddy shops in any capacity. Justice P. Gopinath held it violated rights to equality, trade, non-discrimination and life. The case was filed by Sophy of Thrissur, denied a job under the rule. The State had argued it protected women at remote shops.