The Legal Catalyst

Introduction Article 15 of the Indian Constitution stands as a bulwark against discrimination. It prohibits the State from discriminating against any citizen on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. The landmark judgment in State of Madras vs. Champakam Dorairajan (1951) was instrumental in shaping the constitutional interpretation of Article 15 and paved the way for the First Constitutional Amendment , which laid the legal foundation for reservations for socially and educationally backward classes . Understanding Article 15: Prohibition of Discrimination Article 15 is a fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution . Its key clauses are: Article 15(1): Prohibits discrimination by the State on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Article 15(2): Prohibits restrictions on access to public places based on these same grounds. Article 15(3) & 15(4): Allow the State to make special provisions for women, children, and back...