Female makeup artists and hair-dressers in India are applauding a move by the country’s Supreme Court – which has lifted a 59-year old ban on women working in the Bollywood film industry.

The court said such discrimination was “shocking” and violated India’s constitutional values – so it has directed the Cine Costume and Makeup Artist Association (of Mumbai) to correct the situation – within 10 days.

Judge Dipak Misra also struck down a regulation that people had to live in a particular city or town for five years – to become an association member.

The judge said: “We are in 2014, not in 1935. Such things cannot continue – even for a day.”

The Indian association said it was only trying to ensure that male makeup artists were not deprived of work in the film industry.