AIR INDIA V NERGESH MEERZA: Balancing Employment, Gender and Constitution

This case commentary analyses the landmark judgment of Air India v. Nargesh Mirza, in which the Supreme Court of India considered whether certain service conditions imposed on air hostesses were discriminatory and unconstitutional. The rules required air hostesses to retire at an earlier age than male employees and allowed termination of their employment upon their first pregnancy. The Court held that the rule relating to pregnancy was arbitrary, unreasonable, and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution, as it discriminated against women based on their biological condition. However, the Court upheld some of the other service conditions after examining their reasonableness. This case is an important milestone in promoting gender equality and protecting the dignity of women in the workplace. The commentary analyses the facts, issues, judgment, arguments and its impact on constitutional law and women's rights.