SC dismissed Centre’s plea to postpone Women’s entry into NDA

The Supreme Court has rejected a plea by Central Government to postpone the entry of women into National Defence Academy (NDA) till May 2022.

Key Points

• Bench led by Justice SK Kaul told Additional Solicitor General, Aishwarya Bhati that, it is difficult to postpone everything by a year.
• It refused to modify August 18 interim order, that allowed women candidates to appear in the NDA and the Naval Academy Examinations and to train at the NDA.
• It also posted the matter for the third week of January 2022 to issue further directions which might be needed in the case.

Centre’s view

The Centre had told the supreme court that women cadets’ entry into the NDA is possible in the year 2021 because several facilities had to be developed for them before they are allowed into the academy.

Centre’s Plea in SC

Central government informed the apex court that, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release notification for women to participate in the NDA exam in May 2022. It also highlighted the preparations to issue a notice, allowing women candidates to apply for the exams for their recruitment in the Army, Navy and Airforce, are underway and it will be released in May 2021. Centre has also formed a committee to prepare a training curriculum for female candidates because there is a need to prepare separate aspects of training as well as curriculum for women candidates.

Background

Supreme Court allowed the women to appear for National Defence Academy (NDA) exam on August 18, 2021 following a writ petition filed by Kush Kalra. She filed petition, seeking permission for women to sit in the NDA entrance exam while highlighting the violation of Articles 14, 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitution.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2021