polity hard mcq

In Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court struck down Section 497 IPC (adultery) holding it violated:

  1. Only Article 14
  2. Articles 14, 15, and 21
  3. Only Article 21
  4. Only Directive Principles

Answer: Articles 14, 15, and 21

Joseph Shine (2018): Unanimous judgment striking down adultery law: (a) Article 14: Arbitrary classification (only men punished; women treated as property), (b) Article 15: Discrimination based on sex; reinforces patriarchal stereotypes, (c) Article 21: Violates autonomy, dignity, privacy in marital relationships, (d) Constitutional Morality: Gender equality, individual autonomy override traditional moral codes. Impact: Decriminalized adultery; civil remedies (divorce, maintenance) remain. Illustrates evolving gender jurisprudence: from patriarchal norms to equality, autonomy, dignity.

Topic Women's Rights - Adultery Law Struck Down
Exam Relevance Gender equality jurisprudence critical for UPSC Mains and Judiciary exams

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