THE TOP COURT DIRECTED THE GRANT OF PERMANENT COMMISSION TO 39 WOMEN OFFICERS IN THE INDIAN ARMY

The Apex Court bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and BV Nagarathna directed the grant of Permanent Commission to 39 women officers in the Indian Army on or before November 1, 2021. The bench passed the order after being informed that 39 officers out of 64 women were found eligible for the grant of Permanent Commission.

The bench was hearing a batch of contempt petitions by the eligible 36 officers. They raised complaints about the non-compliance of the Court's judgment in Lt. Col. Nitisha and Others v. Union of India and Others. 

Earlier, Senior Advocate R Balasubramaniam and Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain informed the Court that an extensive exercise had been carried out to re-determine the entitlement of 71 Women Short Service Commissioned Officers.

On Friday, the bench sought an explanation on why the Permanent Commission was denied to the remaining officers. The Court also directed the authorities to submit an affidavit stating that no reason other than those in the Top Court's March judgment allowing the grant of Permanent Commission to women army officers have been contemplated in the grant or refusal of Permanent Commission.

The hearing of the matter is next listed on November 12.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal