I was denied entry to a Mangalore public place on discriminatory grounds; which Article applies?

Detailed Legal Analysis

If you were denied entry to a public place in Mangalore on discriminatory grounds, Article 15 of the Constitution of India applies. This article explicitly prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth in the context of access to public places and amenities.

Here are the key points regarding Article 15 and your situation:

• Prohibition of Discrimination: Article 15(1) states that the State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. If you were denied entry based on any of these grounds, it constitutes a violation of this article.
• Access to Public Places: Article 15(2) specifically prohibits discrimination in access to public places, stating that no citizen shall, on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, be denied access to shops, public restaurants, hotels, places of public entertainment, or the use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads, and places of public resort maintained wholly or partly out of State funds or dedicated to the use of the general public.
• Right to Equality: The fundamental right to equality enshrined in Article 14 also supports your case. It guarantees that every person is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection of the laws. Any discriminatory denial can be challenged under this provision as well.
• Legal Recourse: If you believe your rights have been violated, you can take several steps:
  • File a complaint with the local police against the establishment for discrimination.
  • Approach the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) or the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to report the violation.
  • Seek legal advice from a lawyer to explore the possibility of filing a writ petition in the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution for enforcement of your fundamental rights.

In summary, Article 15 of the Constitution is directly applicable to your situation, and you have various avenues for seeking justice against discriminatory practices in public places.