---
title: "Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018) | Model Diplomat"
description: "Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018) struck down IPC Section 497, decriminalising adultery as violating Articles 14, 15 and 21. Key UPSC GS1 and GS2 judgment."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/joseph-shine-v-union-of-india"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Joseph Shine v.
- Union of India is a 2018 Supreme Court of India judgment that struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code, decriminalising adultery as unconstitutional.
- What exactly did Joseph Shine v. Union of India strike down?
- Does the judgment mean adultery has no legal consequences in India?
- How does Joseph Shine relate to the Puttaswamy privacy judgment?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Go beyond the definition

## Research Joseph Shine v. Union of India like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Joseph Shine v. Union of India

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Joseph Shine v. Union of India](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Joseph%20Shine%20v.%20Union%20of%20India%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In Joseph Shine v. Union of India, the Supreme Court of India on 27 September 2018, through a Constitution Bench led by CJI Dipak Misra, struck down Section 497 IPC and decriminalised adultery.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take Joseph Shine v. Union of India beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.