Historic legal win: Sophy becomes Kerala’s first female toddy shop worker in 25-year gap

Thrissur (Kerala): “What is wrong with women working in a toddy shop?” Having proved through a legal battle that there is no issue whatsoever, Sophy will start work on Sunday at the Ponjanam toddy shop in Iringalakuda, the very same shop where her late husband Kunjippalu was employed.

Sophy’s husband, K J Kunjippalu of Kizhuthani Kittan House, died of heart disease on May 20, 2024.

Kunjippalu had originally secured the job in place of Sophy's father Louis. Although Sophy applied to the licensee seeking compassionate appointment to the position previously held by her father and husband, the request was initially denied.

She managed to work at the toddy shop for two months starting from September 5, 2025, but was unable to continue due to opposition from a trade union. She was not paid her salary either. Following this, she approached the High Court with the support of the INTUC.

Women had been barred from working in toddy shops under the provisions of the 2002 Abkari Rules. However, around 500 women who secured employment prior to 2002 continue to work in the sector.

Sophy’s path to employment opened after the High Court recently declared the rule unconstitutional. This landmark ruling will also pave the way for around 100 other women applicants to secure jobs in toddy shops. Although Sophy completed a course as a lab technician, she had not taken up employment after her marriage. Her children are Exa, who is studying ACCA/CA, and Antony, a Class 11 student.