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Kerala Woman Resumes Toddy Shop Job After High Court Ends Employment Ban

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Sophy Kunjupalu resumes work as a Kerala toddy shop manager after the High Court struck down the rule banning women employees.

Thrissur, November 2, 2026: A legal battle over women's employment rights in Kerala has reached an important milestone, with 49-year-old Sophy Kunjupalu resuming work as a manager at a toddy shop in Thrissur district.

Sophy had been denied employment at the shop where her late husband had worked because Kerala's Abkari Shops and Disposal Rules prohibited women from being employed in toddy shops.

She challenged the restriction before the Kerala High Court. In a significant ruling in August 2026, the court struck down the provision, holding that a blanket prohibition on women working in toddy shops violated constitutional principles of equality.

How the dispute began

Sophy approached the toddy shop in July 2024, following her husband's death, hoping to secure employment and support her family.

However, the request was rejected because of Rule 7(37) of the Kerala Abkari Shops and Disposal Rules, 2002.

She subsequently approached the High Court, arguing that the restriction prevented her from earning a livelihood.

What the High Court said

The court rejected the argument that banning women from toddy shops was an appropriate way to protect their safety.

It observed that the government has a responsibility to provide safe working conditions, but that responsibility cannot be fulfilled by preventing women from entering an entire employment sector.

Instead, authorities should establish suitable safeguards against harassment and discrimination.

The ruling reinforced the constitutional principle that women should have the freedom to choose their profession.

Sophy resumes work

Following the legal victory, Sophy resumed duty as the manager of the Ponjanam toddy shop under the Irinjalakuda excise range on November 1.

The development is significant because she is reported to be the first woman to work in this capacity at a toddy shop in the state.

Her case has attracted attention because it connects a personal struggle for livelihood with a wider question of equal employment opportunities.

A wider debate on workplace equality

The case raises a broader question about whether workplace safety should be addressed through restrictions on women's employment or through better workplace protection.

The court's position emphasises that safety measures, prevention of harassment and effective enforcement of labour protections are the appropriate responsibilities of the state.

Sophy's return to work is therefore more than an individual employment development. It is also an example of how legal challenges can affect traditional workplace practices.

By News National Editorial Team

Sources: The Indian Express – High Court ruling · The Times of India – Sophy resumes duty

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