Question

Given below is the statement of Legal principle followed by a factual situation. Apply the principle to the facts given below and select the most appropriate answer.
LEGAL PRINCIPLE: A reasonable classification having nexus with the object sought to be achieved is not violative of Article 14 or Article 16 of the Constitution of India.
FACTUAL SITUATION: 'X' is a male teacher in a women's college, who applied for the post of principal of that college. His candidature was rejected on the basis of the governments po|icy of appointing only women as Principal of a women's co||ege. 'X' challenges the policy on the ground of discrimination. Whether the challenge is sustainable?

DECISION:

पर्याय

• Yes, because rejection of X's candidature amounts to sexual discrimination and deprivation of opportunity.

• No, the rejection does not amount to discrimination since it is a reasonable classification permissible under the Constitution.

• No, because the policy of appointment of only lady Principal in a women's college is a reasonable classification having a nexus with the object sought to be achieved.

• Yes, because the policy is violative of the guarantee of equality before law under Article 14 of the Constitution.

Answer 1

No, because the policy of appointment of only lady Principal in a women's college is a reasonable classification having a nexus with the object sought to be achieved.

Explanation:

In Vijay Lakshmi vs Punjab University And Others on  23 September 2003, it was held that providing for the appointment of lady principal in Women's College or a lady teacher therein cannot be held to be violative either of Article 14 or Article 16 of the Constitution,  because classification is reasonable and it has a nexus with the object sought to be achieved. In addition,  the State Government is empowered to make such special provisions under Article 15 (3) of the Constitution. This power is not restricted in any manner by  Article 16.