What are the constitutional provisions under Article 15 regarding discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, and how have courts interpreted this article in recent judgments?

Detailed Legal Analysis

Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, ensuring equality and social justice in the country.

The key provisions under Article 15 include:

• 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.
• Special Provisions for Women and Children: Article 15(3) allows the State to make special provisions for women and children, indicating the recognition of their unique socio-economic challenges.
• Reservations in Educational Institutions: Article 15(4) empowers the State to make provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

In terms of judicial interpretation, Indian courts have consistently upheld the essence of Article 15 while expanding its scope through various landmark judgments. Some notable interpretations include:

• Indira Sawhney v. Union of India (1992): The Supreme Court upheld the validity of reservations for OBCs and emphasized that the principle of equality should not be diluted. The court clarified that Article 15 permits affirmative action to uplift backward classes.
• Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997): The Supreme Court laid down guidelines to prevent sexual harassment of women at the workplace, reinforcing the discrimination clause of Article 15 by advocating for women's rights.
• Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): The landmark judgment decriminalized consensual homosexual acts and emphasized that discrimination based on sexual orientation is a violation of Article 15, thus promoting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Moreover, the courts have interpreted Article 15 in conjunction with other articles, such as Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty), to ensure a holistic approach to equality and non-discrimination. This integrated interpretation has led to significant advancements in the protection of marginalized groups in India.

In conclusion, Article 15 serves as a cornerstone in the Indian Constitution for promoting equality and protecting citizens from discrimination, with courts playing a pivotal role in interpreting and expanding its provisions to adapt to contemporary societal issues.