‘THE JUDGEMENT WILL BE USED IN OTHER CASES AS WELL’

Ranjana Kumari, director of women’s rights group Centre for Social Research,talks about the likely impact of the Supreme Court judgement on society

What do you think about the judgement?

This is one of the most progressive judgements in recent times in favour of women. It can be used in a myriad ways.Our organisation is already fighting a case demanding the same minimum marriageable age for men and women.Now,we would use this judgement to further our argument.

How will it influence the Sabarimala temple case where women of menstruating age are discriminated?

First of all,the argument that menstruating women are impure is bunkum.Even if it was assumed to be true,the judgement establishes that physiological differences have no constitutional tenability. So, the verdict should act as the basis so that the case is decided in women’s favour.