SC directs Centre to grant permanent commission to women officers in Army within 3 months

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre to grant permanent commission to all women officers in the Army within three months and said there will not be any absolute bar on giving them command postings.

A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud rejected the Centre's argument of physiological limitations and social norms for denying them permanent commission and command postings, saying it is disturbing and against the concept of equality.

The bench said women officers in the past have brought laurels to the country and change of mindset is required on the part of the government to put an end to gender bias in armed forces.

The top court said despite there being no stay on the 2010 Delhi High Court verdict allowing grant of permanent commission to women officers, the Centre showed scant regard in implementing the directive in past one decade.

It will apply to any woman officer who opt for it, and on all those within the period of 14 years of service and beyond.

Reading the order, Justice DY Chandrachud said, "Women in the Army is an evolutionary process."

Justice DY Chandrachud also said, “The policy decisions of the Union Government is very unique as far as the employment of women officers is concerned.”

“Soldiers must have the physical capability to do one's role.”