Use JSTL Expression Language to compare strings in JSPX page ADF Faces

Add the libary to the JSP root:
 xmlns:fn="http://java.sun.com/jsp/jstl/functions

You can use the function fn  as below
#{fn:toUpperCase(row.bindings.Status.inputValue) == 'APPROVED'}

https://blogs.oracle.com/jdevotnharvest/entry/using_jstl_in_adf_faces
http://www.tutorialspoint.com/jsp/jstl_function_touppercase.htm