Article 15 of the Indian Constitution

1. Introduction to Article 15

Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It is a fundamental right under Part III (Articles 12-35) and ensures social equality.

Why is Article 15 important for lawyers?

  • It’s the legal weapon against discrimination.
  • Courts frequently interpret it in reservation, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights cases.

2. Key Clauses of Article 15

Article 15(1): No Discrimination by the State

  • “The State shall not discriminate against any citizen…”
  • Applies to government policies, laws, and actions.
  • Exception: Allows affirmative action (e.g., reservations).

Article 15(2): Equal Access to Public Places

  • No restriction on shops, restaurants, wells, roads, etc. based on caste/religion.
  • Example: A hotel refusing Dalits violates Article 15(2).

Article 15(3): Special Provisions for Women & Children

  • Allows reservations, welfare schemes, and protective laws for women & kids.
  • Example: Free education for girls, women-only coaches.

Article 15(4): Reservations for SC/ST/OBCs

  • Allows reservations in education & jobs for backward classes.
  • Landmark Case: Indra Sawhney v. UoI (1992) – 50% cap on reservations.

Article 15(5): Exception for Private Educational Institutions

  • Allows reservations in private unaided colleges (via 93rd Amendment, 2005).
  • Controversial: Some argue it violates right to equality.

Article 15(6): EWS Quota (103rd Amendment, 2019)

  • 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
  • 2022 Supreme Court Verdict: Upheld EWS quota (5-4 majority).

3. Landmark Judgments on Article 15

A. State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951)

  • Issue: Caste-based quotas in medical colleges.
  • Verdict: Struck down quotas as violating Article 15(1).
  • Impact: Led to the 1st Constitutional Amendment (Article 15(4)).

B. Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992)

  • Issue: Mandal Commission & OBC reservations.
  • Verdict: 50% cap on reservations (except in extraordinary cases).

C. Navtej Singh Johar v. UoI (2018)

  • Issue: Criminalization of homosexuality (Section 377).
  • Verdict: LGBTQ+ rights protected under Article 15 (non-discrimination).

D. Janhit Abhiyan v. UoI (2022) – EWS Quota Case

  • Issue: Validity of 10% EWS quota.
  • Verdict: Upheld as not violating the Basic Structure.

4. Exceptions & Affirmative Action Under Article 15

  • Positive Discrimination: Allowed for backward classes, women, EWS.
  • Not Absolute Equality: Reasonable classification permitted.

5. Article 15 vs. Article 14 & 16

FeatureArticle 14Article 15Article 16
ScopeGeneral equalityNo discriminationEquality in public employment
Applies toAll personsOnly citizensOnly citizens
Allows Reservations?NoYes (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)Yes (SC/ST/OBC)

6. Critical Analysis: Is Article 15 Being Misused?

  • Overuse of Reservations? Some argue caste-based politics exploit it.
  • EWS Quota Debate: Is it economic justice or vote bank politics?
  • Judicial Activism: Are courts overstepping into policy matters?

7. FAQs on Article 15

Q1. Does Article 15 apply to private companies?

A: No, unless they are State-controlled (Article 12).

Q2. Can a women-only gym exist under Article 15?

A: Yes, under Article 15(3) (special provisions for women).

Q3. Is the EWS quota constitutional?

A: Yes, as per 2022 Supreme Court verdict.

8. Conclusion

Article 15 is a powerful tool for social justice but also a subject of debate. From Champakam Dorairajan to EWS Quota, its interpretation keeps evolving.

As a lawyer, you must understand:
✔ How to challenge discriminatory laws.
✔ When reservations are legally valid.
✔ The latest Supreme Court trends on equality.

Need legal advice on Article 15? Contact our constitutional law experts today!

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