Supreme Court permits Permanent Commissioning of Women Officers in Defence

On February 17, 2020, the Supreme Court of India upheld the judgement of Delhi High Court over the issue of commissioning of women officers in Indian Army.

Highlights

The Supreme Court has granted permission to commission women officers in the Indian Army.

Earlier, permanent service commission for women were not allowed, especially in combat units. They were pertained to combat support units such as law, education and logistics. Also, women were not appointed at the level of officers in the combat units.

The judgement was pronounced by Justice D Y Chandrachud.

Background

The High Court of Delhi in 2010 had instructed the GoI to provide permanent commissioning of women officers in the Indian Army. The GoI in 2010 had argued that women are physiologically weak and are not as efficient as men when it comes to leading a combat unit. This was countered then and now by both Delhi HC and the apex court.

Now, SC has upheld this ruling pronouncing that permanent commissioning is allowed to all women officers irrespective of the years of services.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2020