‘No evidence older applicants less capable’: Calcutta High Court strikes down 45-year age cap for ration shop licenses
Indian Express·2h ago·Hope
What Happened
Calcutta High Court struck down West Bengal's 45-year upper age limit for Fair Price Shop dealership applications. Justice Smita Das De ruled the restriction arbitrary and discriminatory, lacking empirical evidence that older applicants perform worse. The court found the state exceeded its authority by creating two citizen classes without reasonable basis, violating constitutional Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) protecting equality and trade rights.
Key Entities
Calcutta High CourtJustice Smita Das DeFair Price Shop dealershipWest Bengal45-year age limitArticle 14Article 19(1)(g)