Indian Army: SC gives nod to permanent commission to women officers, suggests govt to change its mindset

Now, Indian Army women officers will also have their commission, says Supreme Court today. The apex court also asked the government to change its mindset.

In the verdict, SC has directed the government to implement the court’s order within a period of three months after disposing of the petitions.

The SC has rejected Centre’s appeal against the Delhi High Court direction for granting permanent commission to women officers in the Indian Army and also asked the government to change its mindset and give command positions to women officers.

While rejecting Centre’s opposition on permanent commission for women officers in the Indian army, the Supreme Court said this perpetuates ‘gender stereotypes’.

SC judge Justice DY Chandrachud also said while reading the order, “soldiers must have the physical capability to do one's role. Women in the Army is an evolutionary process.”

"Permanent commission will apply to all women officers in the Army in service, irrespective of their years of service... Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers are entitled to Permanent Commission posts in the Indian Army. The High Court order should've been implemented," the apex court stated.

PC For Women Officers In Indian Army:

In 2019, women officers were granted permanent commission (PC) in all 10 branches of the Indian Army.

However, Centre argued that permanent commission will be given to those women officers who have joined the Indian Army after 2014. With this decision of the Defence Ministry, the opportunities were opened for women officers in the Indian Army to serve for longer duration in all branches like male officers in the Army.

The Centre decided to grant PC to women officers inducted in branches such as signals, engineers, ordinance corps and intelligence, army air defence, electronics and mechanical engineers, army aviation, army service corps, army.

In April 2019, the recruitment process was also started by the Indian Army to recruit women as jawans in the corps of military police.

Also Read: Supreme Court issue notices to centre, Delhi government over death of four-month-old at Shaheen Bagh