Respondent's Memo
Respondent's Memo
Respondent's Memo
&
WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) NO. 23 OF 2016
MS. X
(PETITIONER)
V.
TRANS PALSHIAN UNIVERSITY& ORS.
(RESPONDENTS)
UPON SUBMISSION TO THE HONBLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND HIS COMPANION JUSTICES OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF MALP
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ABBREVIATIONS
EXPANSIONS
PARAGRAPH
PARAGRAPHS
A.P
ANDHRA PRADESH
AIR
APP.
APPLICATION
ART.
ARTICLE
ASS.
ASSAM
BIH.
BIHAR
DEL.
DELHI
ECHR
GUJ.
GUJARAT
HC
HIGH COURT
H.P
HIMACHAL PRADESH
HAR.
HARYANA
KARNA.
KARNATAKA
LJ.
LAW JOURNAL
LTD.
LIMITED
MAD.
MADRAS
MAH.
MAHARASHTRA
NGO
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION
NO.
NUMBER
PG.
PAGE
PME
SC
SUPREME COURT
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
SCC
SCR
SUPP.
SUPPLEMENTARY
T.N.
TAMIL NADU
U.K
UNITED KINGDOM
U.O.I
UNION OF INDIA
U.P
UTTAR PRADESH
U.S
UNITED STATES
WP
WRIT PETITION
YPWO
INDEX of AUTHORITIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
.................................................................................................................................... 5
.................................................................................................................................... 7
ARTICLES................................................................................................................................ 7
LEXICON ................................................................................................................................. 8
INDEX of AUTHORITIES
1. THE
2. THE EXPANSIVE INTERPRETATION OF ART. 15 (1) WILL INTERFERE WITH THE RIGHTS
GUARANTEED UNDER ARTICLE 29................................................................................... XIII
3. THAT THE RELIANCE ON FOREIGN JUDGEMENTS IS MISLEADING AND IMPROPER .... XIII
4. IMPACT OF INTERPRETING THE WORD SEX TO INCLUDE SEXUAL ORIENTATION ON
MALPIAN SOCIETY: ..........................................................................................................XIV
4.1 IMPACT ON THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE .......................................................... XIV
4.2 IMPACT ON THE INSTITUTION OF FAMILY.............................................................. XIV
4.3 IMPACT ON OTHER CONSTITUTING ELEMENTS OF SOCIETY ....................................... XV
4.4 POTENTIAL NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF EXPANSIVE INTERPRETATION OF ART 15 ON PUBLIC
HEALTH .............................................................................................................................. XV
PRAYER ............................................................................................................................... I
2|Page
INDEX of AUTHORITIES
I NDEX OF AUTHORITIES
WRIT PETITION NO. - 47
CASES
SR. NO.
PG. NO.
1.
IV
Ghosh v. Joseph, AIR 1963 SC 812 : 1963 Supp (1) SCR 789
Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee v. CK Rajan and
Ors. (2003) 7 SCC 546
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, (1973) 4 SCC 225
Madhu Limaye v. D.M., AIR 1971 SC 2486 : (1970) 3 SCC 746
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, (1978) 1 SCC 248
V
I
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
IV
I
II
I
VI
IV
V
V
II
II
V
I
IV
III
3|Page
III
INDEX of AUTHORITIES
20.
21.
22.
II
23.
24.
II
25.
II
26.
III
27.
28.
V
II
29.
SR. NO.
PG. NO.
1.
III
II
VI
SR. NO.
ECHR CASE
PG. NO.
1.
IV
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
IV
IV
IV
IV
IV
IV
IV
VIII
ECHR)
10.
4|Page
IV
INDEX of AUTHORITIES
ARTICLES
Utkarsh Anand, SC to PMT students: Faith wont disappear if
you
dont
dont
wear
headscarf(hijab)
one
day,http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/aipmtsupreme-court-refuses-to-allow-hijab-in-test/
Ronjoy Sen, Legalizing Religion: The Indian Supreme Court
and Secularism, East West Centre Washington 9, 11 (2007)
PG. NO.
V
SR. NO.
BOOKS
PG. NO.
1.
VI
2.
SR. NO.
PG. NO.
1.
VIII
SR. NO.
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS
PG. NO.
SR. NO.
1.
2.
III
1.
IV
2.
IV
3.
IV
VII
5.
IV
6.
7.
IV
VII
8.
9.
5|Page
III
IV
INDEX of AUTHORITIES
SR. NO.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
CASES
SUPREME COURT CASES
PG. NO.
XII
II
XI
IX
II
IX
XII
III
XII
IX
XI
XI
XII
XII
II
XII
XI
XII
IX
X
XI
IX
II
XII
SR. NO.
PG. NO.
1.
2.
XII
X
6|Page
INDEX of AUTHORITIES
SR. NO.
US CASES
PG. NO.
1.
South Carolina)
SR. NO.
P.C.I.J. CASE
PG. NO.
1.
XIII
SR. NO.
BOOKS
PG. NO.
1.
XII
2.
3.
4.
SR. NO.
1.
2.
3.
ARTICLES
Make Room for Daddy and Poppa, The Chicago Tribune,
March 24, 2002
Gay Parents and the Adoption Option, The Philadelphia
Inquirer, March 04, 2002
Technical Report: Coparent or Second-Parent Adoption by
Same-Sex Parents, Pediatrics, 109(2):(2002)
7|Page
II
XIII
IX
PG. NO.
XVI
XVI
XVI
LEXICON
SR. NO.
1.
INDEX of AUTHORITIES
PG. NO.
XI
1999)
SR. NO.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
PG. NO.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Article 12
Article 13
Article 14
Article 15
Article 21
Article 25
Article 29
Article 30
Article 32
passim
passim
passim
passim
passim
passim
passim
passim
passim
WEB RESOURCES
SR. NO.
1.
2.
www.manupatrafast.com(MANUPATRA)
3.
4.
www.jstor.org(JSTOR)
5.
www.scconline.com(SCC ONLINE)
6.
8|Page
STATEMENT of JURISDICTION
S TATEMENT OF J URISDICTION
The Petitioner has humbly approached the Honble Court under Article 32 of the Constitution of
Malp. The present memorandum contains the facts, contentions and arguments of the present case.
9|Page
STATEMENT of FACTS
S TATEMENT OF FACTS
WRIT PETITION-47
1. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF PALSHTIYAS IN REPUBLIC OF MALP: Malp remained
under the rule of Palsh, a developed Western nation. During the Palshian era in Malp,
several Palshian philosophers & religious leaders brought about considerable impact upon
the Palshian culture in the territory. Therefore, a major sec. of the Malpian society adopted
Palshtiya religion.
2. THE PREVAILING LEGAL SYSTEM IN MALP: The text of the Constitution of Malp is same
as that of the Constitution of India. As such all the statutes, laws, etc. in force in India are
also mutatis mutandis applicable in Malp. It is also a member of the UNO and is a party to
the international conventions, treaties etc in the same manner as India.
3. CIRCUMSTANCES
MEB: MEB of
Malp is the central body responsible for regulation of medical education in the country. In
the year 2015, PMEs were held across the country and large scale cheating syndicate was
unearthed. On a WP filed by several aspirants, the Apex Court of the country set aside the
entire examination and ordered for fresh examination. As a result, the MEB issued the
impugned circular wherein the candidates were prohibited from wearing headgear like
headscarves, burqa, habit etc., so as to prevent employing of hidden gadgets.
4. CIRCUMSTANCES
HONBLE
COURT: YPWO, a registered NGO filed the instant PIL under Art. 32 of the Constitution
and challenged the constitutional validity of the impugned circular. The orders violated the
cultural rights of Palshtiya women of wearing the headscarf and full sleeve dress, as it is
mandated by their religion to be the dress code in public and also affected Shran women,
who do not have such dress code.
10 | P a g e
STATEMENT of FACTS
WRIT PETITION-23
1. SITUATION
IN
diversified in terms of religion, language and culture. In modern times, Malp has seen a
change in the outlook of the society and social-inclusion of the weaker and stigmatised
sections of the society like the LGBT community which had been for long considered
as an unprivileged class and a marginalised section is now visible as an active part of
the society, enjoying an improved status therein.
2. PREVAILING LEGAL SYSTEM: The text of the Constitution of Malp is same as that of the
Constitution of India. As such all the statutes, laws etc. in force in India are also mutatis
mutandis applicable in Malp. It is also a member of the UNO and is a party to the
international conventions, treaties etc. and has ratified them, in a manner similar to those
by India.
3. CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO FILING OF WP BEFORE THE HONBLE COURT: Ms. X, a
Palayan native of the Shran faith, took admission in the Trans Palshtiya University, a
state aided religious institution, where she was allotted a room in a hostel. However,
soon afterwards, the university received complaints from other girls that they did not
wish to stay with her on account of her sexual orientation as a lesbian. Considering this,
the university had to cancel her room allotment. Ms. X filed a WP under Art. 32 before
the SC challenging the constitutional validity of the aforesaid order, contending that the
order was arbitrary and hence violative of Art. 14 of the Constitution of Malp.
Furthermore, she seeks to assert that the fundamental right against discrimination on the
basis of sex inscribed in Art. 15(1) in the Constitution includes within its ambit the right
against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. On this ground she has
assailed the validity of the universitys order as also being violative of Art. 15(1).
11 | P a g e
STATEMENT of ISSUES
S TATEMENT OF I SSUES
WRIT PETITION-47
[ISSUE I]
WHETHER THE WRIT PETITION IS MAINTAINABLE IN THE INSTANT CASE?
[ISSUE II]
WHETHER THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS UNDER ARTICLE 14 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF MALP
HAVE BEEN VIOLATED IN THE INSTANT CASE?
[ISSUE III]
WHETHER THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS UNDER ARTICLE 25 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF MALP
HAVE BEEN VIOLATED IN THE INSTANT CASE?
WRIT PETITION- 23
[ISSUE I]
WHETHER THE WRIT PETITION IS MAINTAINABLE IN THE INSTANT CASE?
[ISSUE II]
WHETHER THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS UNDER ARTICLE 14 AND ARTICLE 15 OF THE
CONSTITUTION OF MALP HAVE BEEN VIOLATED IN THE INSTANT CASE?
[ISSUE III]
WHETHER THE IMPUGNED ORDER WAS WITHIN THE RIGHTS GUARANTEED UNDER ARTICLE 30?
12 | P a g e
SUMMARY of ARGUMENTS
S UMMARY OF A RGUMENTS
WRIT PETITION - 47
SUMMARY of ARGUMENTS
WRIT PETITION-23
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
ARGUMENTS A DVANCED
WRIT PETITION - 47
I.
Andhra Industrial Works v. Chief Controller of Imports and Ors AIR 1974 SC 1539 10; Guruvayur Devaswom
Managing Committee v. CK Rajan and Ors. (2003) 7 SCC 546 50; BALCO Employees Union (Regd.) v. Union
of India, (2002) 2 SCC 333.
3
Durga Das Basu's Commentary on the Constitution of India, 3705 (Justice Y.V Chandrachud, Justice S.S
Subbramani, Justice B.P Banerjee, 8th Ed. 2008).
4
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, (1978) 1 SCC 248; Namit Sharma v. Union of India, (2013) 1 SCC 745.
9,7, MOOT PROPOSITION, P.A INAMDAR INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016.
I|Page
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
that in the second part of the submission it will be shown that there is no violation of
fundamental right under Article 14 and Article 25 of the Malpian constitution.
2.EXISTENCE
OF AN ALTERNATIVE REMEDY:
ordinary jurisdiction, the same must be used sparingly and in circumstances where no
alternative remedy is available.7 Art. 32(1) confers a right to move the SC by appropriate
proceedings. Appropriate proceedings include procedural factors such as res judicata 8, delay
in filing the petition and parallel proceedings9 in another court. The petitioner in the instant
case had the remedy to approach the Honble HC.10
It is submitted that the petitioner had an alternative remedy to approach the High court under
Art. 226. The power of High Court under Art. 226 is wider than the powers of this Court under
Art. 32 of the Constitution. Considering the points raised, it is submitted that the petition must
fail.
II.
Secretary, Govt. of India v. Alka Subhash Gadia, 1990 SCR, Supl. (3) 583; Avinash Chand Gupta v. State of
Uttar Pradesh, (2004) 2 SCC 726; Union of India v. Paul Manickam, AIR 2003 SC 4622.
8
Durga Das Basu, Shorter Constitution of India, 396 (13th ed., 2001).
10
11
12
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, (1973) 4 SCC 225; Smt. Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain, 1975
Supp. SCC 1.
II | P a g e
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
validity of a law with reference to Art. 14 is that it should not be arbitrary and classification
should be reasonable13.
1.LOCUS OF ARBITRARINESS AND ITS INAPPLICABILITY IN THE INSTANT CASE: There is no cut
through strait jacket formula to evolve objectively, what amounts to arbitrariness but can only
be culled out from circumstances and facts14. In the instance case, the circular, as a
precautionary step, is issued in order to curb any likelihood of a cheating and fraud racket.
Considering the fact that the futures of the students are at stake, the impugned circular passes
the test of arbitrariness and is well within the prescribed realm of Art. 14.
2.THE
is
submitted that Article 14 as including the principles of reasonableness only requires the
government to act on reasonable grounds.15 The court function is to check whether the decision
taken is fair and free from the taint of unreasonableness and has substantially complied with
the norm of procedure.16 The impugned circular is no way takes away FRs or vitiates any
procedure established by law.
III.
13
14
15
Durga Das Basu's Commentary on the Constitution of India, 1360 (Justice Y.V Chandrachud, Justice S.S
Subbramani, Justice B.P Banerjee, 8th Ed. 2008).
16
Fertilizer Corpn Kamgar Union v. Union of India, (1981) 1 SCC 568, 584.
III | P a g e
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
discourse of the colonial era doctrine of "justice, equity and good conscience"17. It has been
held by the Supreme Court that in order to get protection of Article 25(1), the 'practice' in
question must be essential,18 or mandatory as distinguished from optional religious practice19.
It is such permanent essential parts of the religion which are protected by the Constitution.20 It
was further held that essential part means core beliefs upon which religion is founded. Essential
practice means those practices that are fundamental to follow a religious belief, without which
religion is no religion.21 The Madras High Court
22
Muslim women was a mere religious custom and not an integral part of Islam. Therefore, the
same was not protected under Article 25(1) of the Constitution.
2.RIGHTS UNDER ART. 25 ARENT AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT: The Supreme Court has observed that
"no rights in an organised society can be absolute. Enjoyment of one's right must be consistent
with enjoyment of rights also by others."23 and more so, the right to religion has been expressly
subjected to public order, morality and health as enshrined under Article 25 (1) 24 and various
international instruments 25 have concurred the same.
17
Ronjoy Sen, Legalizing Religion: The Indian Supreme Court and Secularism, East West Centre Washington 9,
11 (2007) , available at http://www.eastwestcenter.org/fileadmin/stored/pdfs/PS030.pdf, last seen 08/03/2016.
18
Quareshi v. State of Bihar, AIR 1958 SC 731 : 1959 SCR 629 (739-40) CB; Narayan v. State of A.P., AIR 1996
SC 1765 : (1996) 3 SCR 543 : (1996) 9 SCC 548 ( 36, 43, 80, 83, 89).
19
State of W.B v. Ashutosh, AIR 1995 SC 464 : (1995) 1 SCC 189 ( 6, 11).
20
N. Adithayan v. Travancorre Dewaswom Board, (2002) 8 SCC 106 : AIR 2002 SC 3538.
21
Commissioner of Police v. Acharya Jagadishwarananda Avadhuta, AIR 2004 SC 2984 : (2004) 12 SCC 770.
22
M. Ajmal Khan v. Election Commission of India, Writ petition No. 26841/2006 (Madras High Court,
07/09/2006).
23
Acharya Mahajshri Narendra Prasadji Anand Prasadji Maharaj v. State of Gujarat, AIR 1975 SC 2098: (1975)
1 SCC 11.
24
25
Article 18(2), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966; Article 18, Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, 1948; Article 9(2), European Convention for protection of Human Rights and Fundamental
IV | P a g e
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
Several judicial decisions delivered by European Court of Human Rights 26, can also be
instrumental in order to appreciate that right to religious attire is subject to the power of the
State to frame laws. In the instant case, if at all breach of religious rights of Palshtyian women
subsists within the framework of Article 25, still it would be hit by 'public order'. Public order
is to be read synonymous to public safety and tranquillity 27 and also includes committing of
breach of discipline
28
Freedoms as amended by Protocol 11 of 2000 , Article 12(3), American Convention on Human Rights, 1969
Article 30 (2), Arab Charter on Human Rights, 2003 ;Article 8, The African Charter on Human's and People's
Rights, 1981, Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerence and of Discrimination based on Religion
or belief.
26
Phull v. France, Dec no. 35753/03, (2005, European Court of Human Right); El Morsi v. France, Application
no. 15585/06 (2008, European Court of Human Rights); Dahlab v. Switzerland Application no. 42393/98 (2001,
European Court of Human Rights); Kurtumulus v. Turkey, Application no. 65500/01 (2006, European Court of
Human Rights); Leyla Sahin v. Turkey Application no. 44774/98 (2004, European Court of Human Rights); Kose
and 93 others v. Turkey, Application no. 26625/02, (2006, European Court of Human Rights), Dogru v. France
[2008] ECHR 1579, Kervanci v. France, Application no. 31645/04, (2008, European Court of Human Rights).
27
Madhu Limaye v. D.M., AIR 1971 SC 2486: (1970) 3 SCC 746; Ghosh v. Joseph, AIR 1963 SC 812: 1963
Supp (1) SCR 789.
28
Dalbir v. State of Punjab, AIR 1962 SC 1106: 1962 Supp (3) SCR 25.
29
30
31
V|Page
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
while quashing the PIL brought forth by SIOI remarked that the "plea was nothing but an ego"
and he further observed that "the faith would not disappear if the students did not attend the
exams without scarf"32.
3.THE RIGHT TO RELIGION IS SUBJECT TO FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF OTHERS: A person can
exercise his religious freedom so long as it does not come into conflict with the exercise of
Fundamental Rights of others.33 Enjoyment of one's right must be consistent with the
enjoyment of rights also by others. Where in a free play of social forces it is not possible to
bring about a voluntary harmony, the state has to step in to set right the imbalance between
competing interests.34The Court has further observed that "a particular Fundamental Right
cannot exist in isolation in a water tight compartment. One Fundamental Right of a person may
have to co-exist in harmony with the exercise of another Fundamental rights by others and
valid exercise of power by the State. 35
In Clause (3) of Article 18 of the International Covenant, it is provided that the freedom of
religion guaranteed by that Article 18 to everyone is subject to fundamental rights of others.36
Though there is no express provision in the Indian Constitution, in identical language, the same
conclusion can be drawn from the words 'subject to the other provisions of this part' 37 It also
32
Utkarsh Anand, SC to PMT students: Faith won't disappear if you don't wear scarf (hijab) one day, The Indian
Express (25/08/2015), available at http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/aipmt-supreme-courtrefuses-to-allow-hijab-in-test/, last seen on 12/03/2016;
33
See Professor M.P Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 349 (Samaraditya Pal, Justice Ruma Pal, 6th Ed., 2013).
34
Acharya Mahajshri Narendra Prasadji Anand Prasadji Maharaj v. State of Gujarat, AIR 1975 SC 2098: (1975)
1 SCC 11. See also Church of God (full Gospel) in India v. K.K.R Majestic Colony Welfare Association, (2000)
7 SCC 282: AIR 2000 SC 2773.
35
36
37
Durga Das Basu's Commentary on the Constitution of India, 3481 (Justice Y.V Chandrachud, Justice S.S
Subbramani, Justice B.P Banerjee, 8th Ed. 2008).
VI | P a g e
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
follows from the general limitation to all human rights, as stipulated by Article 29(2) of the
Universal Declaration and Article 12(3) of the Covenant.
Therefore, the enforcement of rights guaranteed under Article 25 of Palshian female candidates
has to harmoniously co exist with rights of other candidates guaranteed under Article 14, who
are entitled a fair and authentic examination after the setting aside of the previous examination.
4.THE
international conventions
38
Several
religion are not absolute by nature. It can be concluded that limitation to the freedom of religion
is a limitation on the part of the right (right to manifest one's religion) which requires that such
limitation be prescribed by law and must be necessary to protect the 'public safety, order, health
or morals or the fundamental rights and freedom of others.
39
provision in the Indian Constitution in identical language, the same conclusion must be drawn
under our Constitution from the words 'subject to other provisions of this Part' 40
The freedom to manifest one religion can only be limited if it is 'prescribed by law and
necessary in a democratic society in the interest of public safety, public order, health or morals,
or for the protection of rights and freedoms of others. 41 The Convention on the Elimination of
38
Article 18(2), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966; Article 18, Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, 1948; Article 9(2), European Convention for protection of Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms as amended by Protocol 11 of 2000; Article 12(3), American Convention on Human Rights, 1969;
Article 30 (2), Arab Charter on Human Rights, 2003; Article 8, The African Charter on Human's and People's
Rights, 1981, Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerence and of Discrimination based on Religion
or belief.
39
Article 18(3), International Covenant on the Civil and Political Rights, 1966; Article 12(3), African Convention
of Human Rights, 1969.
40
Durga Das Basu Commentary on the Constitution of India, 3453, (J. Y.V Chandrachud, Justice S.S Subramani,
Justice B.P Banerjee, 8th ed, 2008).
41
VII | P a g e
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
all Forms of Discrimination Against Woman (CEDAW), 1979 defines the term 'discrimination
against woman' 42 and places obligation upon the state to condemn any such discrimination. 43
Several judicial cases 44 have affirmed that the right to wear religious attire cannot be held as
absolute. In Leyla Sahin v. Turkey
45
Courts of Human Rights, upheld a circular that refused the admission of those "whose heads
were covered" in other words who wore Islamic headscarves as it was meant to uphold the
principles of secularism and the neutrality nature of universities 46. In another case, the Human
Rights Commission upheld the argument of Canadian Government wherein the government
restricted the right of a Sikh man to manifest his religion as they were justified under Public
Order and safety. 47
Furthermore, it can be stated that any restriction imposed on a right must be consistent with
other rights and must be in conformity with the State's other obligations under International
law.
48
In Mannousakis v Greece
49
42
Article 1, Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women, 1979.
43
Article 2, Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women, 1979.
44
Phull v. France, Dec No. 35753/03, (2005, European Court of Human Right); El Morsi v. France, Application
no. 15585/06 (2008, European Court of Human Rights); Dahlab v. Switzerland Application no. 42393/98 (2001,
European Court of Human Rights); Kurtumulus v. Turkey, App no. 65500/01 (2006, European Court of Human
Rights); Leyla Sahin v. Turkey Application no. 44774/98 (2004, European Court of Human Rights); Kose and
93 others v. Turkey, Application no. 26625/02, (2006, European Court of Human Rights), Dogru v. France [2008]
ECHR 1579, Kervanci v. France, Application no. 31645/04, (2008, European Court of Human Rights).
45
46
Ibid, 82-84.
47
48
UN Economic and Social Council, Siracusa Principles on the Limitation and Derogation Provisions in the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, UN Doc E/CN.4/1985/4, Annex (1985).
49
VIII | P a g e
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
excludes the discretion of states to determine whether religious beliefs or the means used to
express them are legitimate.
WRIT PETITION-23
I.
50
51
52
M.P Oil Extaction v. Union of M.P. (1997) 7 SCC 592; Ugar Sugar Works Ltd v. Delhi Admin (2001) 3 SCC
635; G. Sundarrajan v. Union of India, (2013) 6 SCC 620, 646; Council of Civil Service Unions v. Minister for
the Civil Service, 1985 AC 374, 414.
53
Justice Hosbet Suresh, All Human Rights are Fundamental Rights, 242, (2nd Ed. 2013).
54
Secretary, Govt. of India v. Alka Subhash Gadia, 1990 SCR, Supl. (3) 583; Avinash Chand Gupta v. State of
Uttar Pradesh, (2004) 2 SCC 726; Union of India v. Paul Manickam, AIR 2003 SC 4622.
55
56
IX | P a g e
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
Further, it is also submitted that the only case law that interpreted sex as inclusive of sexual
orientation in Art. 15 (1)57 was over-ruled by the Honble SC58. Further any violation of
fundamental right as claimed by the petitioner is non-existing and illusionary.59
It is submitted that in the second part of the submission it will be shown that there is no violation
of fundamental right under Article 14 and15 of the Indian constitution.
II.
Xs room was because of other female boarders who clearly stated that they did not want to
reside with her in the same hostel.60 If the university officials had done nothing after receiving
the complaint, they would effectively have been unfairly forcing the rest of the boarders to stay
with Mrs X in the same building.61
At this point it should be clarified, that the reason that the other boarders complained about not
wanting to stay with Mrs X was due to her sexual orientation a lesbian and in the Palstiyan
faith, homosexuality is considered sinful behaviour which has also been confirmed by Mr.
Arnam, an expert on the religion and its philosophy.62
57
58
Naz Foundation v. Government of N.C.T. Of Delhi, 160 Delhi Law Times 277.
59
22, 10, MOOT PROPOSITION, P.A. INAMDAR INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2016.
60
19, 10, MOOT PROPOSITION, P.A. INAMDAR INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2016.
61
Sherbert v. Verner, 374 US 398 (1963, Supreme Court of South Carolina); Hobbie v. Unemployment Appeals
Commission, 480 US 136 (1987, Supreme Court of US); Frazee v. Illinois Department of Employment Security,
489 US 829 (1989, Supreme Court of US).
62
22, 10, MOOT PROPOSITION, P.A. INAMDAR INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2016.
X|Page
2.A
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
INTERNAL ISSUES IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS RELIGIOUS PRECEPTS The term administer may
63
64
The Ahmedabad St. Xaviers College v. State of Gujarat & Anr., (1964) 1 SCC 717.
65
Malankara Syrian Catholic College v. Jose, (2007) 1 SCC 386; Badrul Hasan Quadri v. State of UP, AIR
1992 All 220.
66
67
68
Supra 66.
69
Rev. Father W. Post v. State of Bihar, AIR 1969 SC 465; St. Stephens college v. University of Delhi, (1992)
1 SCC 558.
70
Supra 67.
XI | P a g e
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
regulations that embraced and reconciled the state interest with minorities interest could be
considered reasonable.71 The fundamental right guaranteed under Article 30(1) is intended to
be effective and should not be whittled down by any administrative exigency. 72
III.
RELIGIOUS VALUES
their minority status are entitled to take steps in order to protect and preserve their culture.
UNESCO75 embraced a broad definition of culture folk arts, folklore and popular traditions in
literature, religion, mythology, philosophy, architecture and the visual arts, music and dancing,
71
Islamic Academy of Education v. State of Karnataka, AIR 2003 SC 3724; K.P. Shukla v. State of Maharashtra,
1997 AIHC 3025 (Bom).
72
Lilly Kurian v. Sr. Lewina, (1979) 2 SCC 124; T.M.A. Pai Foundations v. State of Karnataka (2002) 8 SCC
481.
73
74
D.D. BASU, Commentary on the Constitution of India, 1774(J. Y V Chandrachud, J. S S Subramani and J. B P
Banerjee, 8th Ed. 2007).
75
Handbook on the Law of Cultural Heritage and International Trade, 553 (James A.R. Nafziger and Robert
Kirkwood Paterson, 2014).
XII | P a g e
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
drama, crafts, etc.76 It is this way of life and thought which will come under siege if the
contested interpretation of Art. 15 is accepted, as this will involve the acceptance of foreign
judgements and cases, which will bring with them a foreign culture, with norms and traditions
which will be at odds with our culture. This will lead to social disharmony and strife.
3.THE
15 (1)
minority if the latter were deprived of its own institutions, and were consequently compelled
to renounce that which constitutes the very essence of its being as a minority. 77 In the views of
Mr Arnam, an authority on the Palstiya religion and philosophy, homosexuality is considered
inherently sinful by the Palstyian faith78. Henceforth, it is submitted that interpreting Art. 15
(1) in such a manner will violate the rights of the minorities under Art. 29.
4.THAT
Furthermore, the petitioner has placed increasing reliance on the legal position of other
countries in order to justify her proposition79. However, these foreign judgements will only
serve to introduce foreign cultural norms into Malp where they will be at odds with the deeply
rooted customs, traditions, and norms of Malpian society.80 It is submitted that our
constitutional principles should not be interpreted in such a manner so as to impose a foreign
culture upon a population which is governed by different laws and traditions.
76
77
Minority Schools in Albania, Advisory Opinion, 1935 P.C.I.J. (ser. A/B) No. 64 (Apr. 6) (PERMANENT
COURT OF INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE).
78
21, 10, MOOT PROPOSITION, P.A. INAMDAR INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2016.
79
22, 10, MOOT PROPOSITION, P.A. INAMDAR INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2016.
80
Naz Foundation v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi 160 Delhi Law Times 277.
XIII | P a g e
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
Hence, if the contested interpretation of Art 15 is held to be valid, then the university will be
forced to pass an order which would go against the culture and philosophy of the Palstiyan faith
which would constitute a gross violation of their rights guaranteed under Art. 29 and Art. 30.
5.IMPACT
MALPIAN SOCIETY.
81
82
S. Khushboo v. Kanniammal & Anr., Criminal appeal No. 913, (Supreme Court, 18/03/2016); Madan Mohan
Singh & Ors v. Rajni Kant & Anr.,Civil Appeal No. 6466, (Supreme Court, 14/03/2016); D. Velusamy v. D.
Patchaiammal, Criminal Appeal No. 2028-2029, (Supreme Court, 15/05/2010).
83
84
Rhoda E. Howard, Gay rights and right to a family, 23 Human Rights Quarterly, 2001.
85
Gordon Neal Diem, The Definition of "Family" in a Free Society, published by the Libertarian Nation
Foundation , available at http://libertariannation.org/a/f43d1.html, last seen on 12/03/2016.
86
87
Gordon Neal Diem, The Definition of "Family" in a Free Society published by the Libertarian Nation
Foundation , available at http://libertariannation.org/a/f43d1.html, last seen on 12/03/2016.
XIV | P a g e
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
sexual relationship.88 Henceforth, it is submitted that the Malpian society is not ready to accept
such an interpretation of the word sex in the current scenario.
5.3IMPACT
experiences clearly demonstrate that households with a homosexual behaving adult member
inherently [1] impose unique harms of profound stressors on children, [2] are substantially less
stable than heterosexual families, and [3] deprive children of the needed benefits of having
relatively better psychologically adjusted adult family member (mother and father).89 There are
also differences in sexual behaviour and practices by children raised by homosexual parents.
They follow the role modelling of their parents in homosexuality.90 This will also relate to the
right to adopt a child by homosexual couples.91
5.4POTENTIAL NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF EXPANSIVE INTERPRETATION OF ART 15 ON PUBLIC HEALTH
Sexual relationships between members of the same sex, however, expose gays, lesbians and
bisexuals to extreme risks of STDs, physical injuries, mental disorders and even a shortened
life span.
Henceforth, it is submitted that considering all the aforementioned authorities and arguments,
the respondent pleads that the word sex under Art. 15 should not be interpreted to include
sexual orientation and the order was within the constitutional ambit of Article 14 and not
arbitrary in any sense.
88
Kuljit Kaur, Legal Education and Social Transformation, The Study Material for the Course of Law and Social
Change, at WBNUJS, (Compiled by Prof. M. K. Sinha for LL. M. First Semester, 2010-11).
89
George A. Rekers, Review of Research on Homosexual Parenting, Adoption, And Foster Parenting, available
at http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/homosexuality/ResearchReviewHomosexualParenting.pdf, last seen
on 12/03/ 2016.
90
Supra 41.
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Chapter
11,
26/05/2007,
available
at
PRAYER
PRAYER
WRIT PETITION-47
In the light of facts stated, issues raised, arguments advanced and authorities cited, the
petitioner most humbly and respectfully pray and request the Honble court:
1) TO DISMISS THE WRIT PETITION.
2) TO UPHOLD
THE
CONSTITUTIONAL VALIDITY
OF THE
CIRCULAR
PASSED BY THE
3) TO GRANT
RESPONDENT
WHICH THE
HONOURABLE COURT MAY DEEM THINK FIT IN THE EYES OF JUSTICE, EQUITY AND GOOD
CONSCIENCE.
All of which is respectfully submitted and for such act of kindness the Petitioner shall be duty
bound as ever pray.
PRAYER
WRIT PETITION-23
In the light of facts stated, issues raised, arguments advanced and authorities cited, the
petitioner most humbly and respectfully pray and request the Honble court:
2) TO UPHOLD
THE
CONSTITUTIONAL VALIDITY
TRANS
PALSHTIYA UNIVERSITY.
3) TO GRANT
RESPONDENT
WHICH THE
HONOURABLE COURT MAY DEEM THINK FIT IN THE EYES OF JUSTICE, EQUITY AND GOOD
CONSCIENCE.
All of which is respectfully submitted and for such act of kindness the Petitioner shall be duty
bound as ever pray.
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