The Centre has assured the Supreme Court of India that a comprehensive policy concerning the career progression of women officers in the Indian Army will be formulated and implemented by March 31, 2024.
Senior advocate R Balasubramanian, representing the Centre, conveyed this information to a bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud during a hearing on Monday. Acknowledging this commitment, the bench, which also comprised Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, directed the Centre to submit an updated status report on the matter by April 1.
Balasubramanian assured the court that by March 31, 2024, a detailed policy would be established concerning the career progression of women officers, including their command positions in regular major units.
This development comes in response to ongoing discussions aimed at formulating a policy addressing the career advancement of women officers, particularly in terms of promotions from the rank of colonel to brigadier.
The issue of career progression for women officers in the Indian Army has been a subject of contention, with concerns raised over alleged discrimination in promotions. Senior advocate V Mohana, representing some women officers, highlighted disparities in command positions granted to male and female officers.
Mohana pointed out that while all 225 male officers who were promoted received command positions in regular major units, only 32 out of 108 women officers were granted similar roles.
The Supreme Court’s involvement in this matter dates back to February 17, 2020, when it delivered a landmark verdict ordering permanent commission for women officers in the Army.
The Court rejected the Centre’s argument citing “physiological limitations” and denounced it as gender discrimination. Subsequently, on March 17, 2020, the Court issued another significant ruling, opening the door for permanent commission to women officers in the Indian Navy.
These legal directives have set the stage for ensuring gender equality and fairness in career opportunities within the armed forces. The upcoming policy on career progression for women officers in the Indian Army is expected to further solidify these principles, ensuring that women officers have equal access to leadership positions and opportunities for advancement.
