In Compliance with the judgement of the Supreme Court, Permanent Commission granted to 557 Women Army Officers
The Supreme Court of India had passed a verdict on February 17th, 2020 directing the Central Government to grant permanent commissions to women officers enrolled in the Army.
Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Ajay Bhatt replied in writing to the (DMK) Dravida Munnetrav Kazhagam leader M Shanmugam from the Rajya Sabha that there was no delay of any sort while granting permanent Commission to any women officer eligible for it.
The Minister of State for Defence also provided the statistics of 63 eligible women officers enrolled in the Indian Army being granted permanent Commission till November 25th 2021, in total compliance with the supreme court of India’s directives.
On February 17th 2020, the supreme court had given directions to the central government to grant a permanent Commission to women officers in the Indian Army, rejecting the centre’s claim of “Physiological Limitations” as the court said these claims were based on Sexual stereotyping & gender discrimination against women.
The Apex court also stated the all-women officers of the Indian Army still serving in the Short Service Commission (SSC) would definitely be considered for permanent Commission, but also women who had put in 14 years or 30 years of service will still be considered for permanent Commission in the Indian Army within three months.
Eleven Women Officers had filed a plea Petition with the apex court was heard on November 12th this year & had issued strict warnings to the central government stating that the court would definitely initiate contempt proceedings against the Indian Army if they fail to grant permanent Commission to enrolled eligible women officers of the Indian Army.
The court reminded the centre of its previous order passed out as verdict on February 17th 2020, which the Women Officers of the Indian Army had won after a prolonged Court battle & that it should be honoured.
The Central Government immediately assured the court that it would roll out the permanent Commissions for all eligible officers from the Women Short Service Commission (WSSCO) enrolled in the Indian Army.
The Centre assured Justice DY Chandrachud of quickly handling the grievances of the 11 women officers within a matter of 10 days.
The Woman Officers had fought a prolonged battle for their right to permanent Commission & for Command positioning in non-combat areas on par with Male Army Officers, which has been streamlined by the Supreme Court Of India.