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Kerala High Court Strikes Down Ban on Women in Toddy Shops

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Kerala High Court struck down Rule 7(37) of the Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules, which banned women from toddy shops.
The court held the ban violated Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
Petitioner Sophy, a 47-year-old widow from Thrissur, sought a compassionate appointment after her husband died in May 2024.
Authorities were ordered to consider Sophy’s compassionate appointment request.

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Kerala High Court struck down Rule 7(37) of the Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules, which banned women from toddy shops.
The court held the ban violated Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
Petitioner Sophy, a 47-year-old widow from Thrissur, sought a compassionate appointment after her husband died in May 2024.
Authorities were ordered to consider Sophy’s compassionate appointment request.