In a significant development, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Indian Coast Guard and the Ministry of Defence following a plea filed by a short-service appointment officer, Priyanka Tyagi, who was denied consideration for a Permanent Commission despite a commendable 14-year service record.
The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, responded to the plea filed by Tyagi through her counsel, Senior Advocate Archana Pathak Dave. The court emphasized that Tyagi’s impeccable service record warranted consideration for a Permanent Commission.
Tyagi’s plea outlined her remarkable achievements during her tenure, including her role as part of the first-ever All Women Crew on the Dornier Aircraft deployed in the Eastern Region for Maritime Patrolling.
She served as the Captain of the Aircraft near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) at ICGAS Chennai. Additionally, Tyagi’s swift actions and expertise have reportedly saved over 300 lives at sea.
The plea highlighted the sudden cancellation of the board responsible for deciding on granting Permanent Commission to short-service appointment women officers in the Indian Coast Guard.
Tyagi expressed concerns over the abrupt policy changes, noting the potential benefits of offering permanent cadre positions to dedicated officers like herself.
The notice from the Supreme Court underscores the significance of fair and equitable treatment for officers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and proficiency in their roles. Tyagi’s case brings to light broader issues surrounding the recognition and advancement of women officers within the Indian armed forces.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Tyagi’s plea serves as a poignant reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes within the defence establishment, ensuring that deserving officers receive due consideration for career progression and recognition of their contributions.
