BackSupreme Court lifts ban on female make-up artists
The apex court also struck down a regulation that people had to live in a particular city for 5 years to become a member of the make-up association
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday struck down a rule that prohibited women from working as registered make-up artistes. In its order, it also held unconstitutional a provision that required a make-up artiste to be a domicile of India for five years.
Petitioner Charu Khurana in 2013 challenged the gender bias in the Cine Costume and Make Up Artists Association (CCMAA) specifying that only men could be registered as its members. The Mumbai film industry has been following the practice for nearly six decades.
“I feel I can finally survive, and pay off my loan of ₹ 32 lakh that I took to study abroad. This judgement will open doors for thousands of women into the profession," said Khurana.
A bench of justices Dipak Misra and U.U. Lalit directed CCMAA to delete the two provisions from its constitution within 10 days, according to PTI. Mint has not reviewed a copy of the Monday order.
“The court has held that two clauses—clauses 4 and 6—of the constitution of the CCMAA (union) as ultra vires. Clause 4 prohibits women from practising as make-up artistes and clause 6 discriminates on the basis of domicile. Court has directed the union to remove these clauses from its constitution," said lawyer Jyotika Kalra, who represents the petitioner.
Khurana said it may not be easy. “I feel the union will come up with some reason or the other to stop women from getting their membership cards, but it is comforting to know that we have the SC order to back us," she said.
Sharad Shelar, president of CCMAA, said the association would comply with the order.
“We will allow women to take membership cards, provided they are well-qualified and know the art well. We can’t disobey SC, “ Shelar said.
The apex court order drew positive responses from members of the film fraternity.
“The Supreme Court ruling on ending the bias against women becoming members of the Cine Make-up Artist Association is most welcome," said actor-director-producer Farhan Akhtar. In the same vein, director Madhur Bhandarkar wrote: “Welcome judgement by Hon Supreme Court allowing women make-up artistes in film fraternity. The discrimination was unhealthy and uncalled for."
“This means freedom for us. I can now work without having to constantly look behind my shoulder," said Divya Chablani, a make-up artiste.
It was alleged during the course of hearings on the petition that similar provisions existed in other states including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. The court order could mean they will follow CCMAA in dropping the practice.
Arundhati Ramanathan in Mumbai contributed to this story.
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