In Brief
Joseph Shine challenged the constitutional validity of Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code, which makes only men criminally liable for adultery while exempting wives from punishment. The Supreme Court found the provision problematic prima facie, noting it violates principles of gender neutrality by treating women as perpetual victims and subordinating their individual identity to spousal consent. The Court observed that modern society recognizes women as equal to men, making the archaic provision questionable. Notice was issued for fuller consideration of the constitutional challenge.
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