While celebrating 75 years of the Indian Constitution there is discussion on "the woman in nine yard of saree who triggered First Amendment to the Constitution." Elucidate the case.

Introduction

While commemorating 75 years of the Indian Constitution, an important debate recalls the role of a woman in a nine-yard saree who indirectly led to the First Constitutional Amendment (1951). This reference is to Champakam Dorairajan, whose legal challenge questioned the State’s reservation policy and reshaped India’s constitutional framework.

Body

The case, State of Madras vs Champakam Dorairajan (1951), arose when the Madras government implemented a communal reservation order in educational institutions. Champakam Dorairajan, a Brahmin woman, was denied admission despite merit and challenged this policy before the Supreme Court.

The Court held that the policy violated Article 15(1) and Article 29(2), which prohibit discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It ruled that Fundamental Rights prevail over Directive Principles of State Policy. This judgment restricted the State’s ability to provide reservations for socially backward classes.

In response, Parliament enacted the First Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951, inserting Article 15(4) to enable special provisions for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes, including SCs and STs.

Conclusion

Thus, the Champakam Dorairajan case highlights how a single legal challenge by a woman in a nine-yard saree became a catalyst for balancing social justice with individual rights. It remains a landmark in understanding the evolving nature of the Indian Constitution.