In a historic move, the centre today told the Supreme Court that women will be admitted into the National Defence Academy (NDA) for permanent commission into India’s armed forces. The government, however, said it needs some time to frame guidelines to pave the way for women to take NDA courses. The Supreme Court has told the centre to file its reply by September 20.
If this decision comes through formally on paper, women can prepare for a career in the Armed Forces immediately after Class 12.
“There is good news. The Forces at the highest level and the government has taken a decision last evening to induct girls for Permanent Commission through the National Defence Academy,” Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed a Bench led by Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and M.M. Sundresh.
The Supreme Court said, “We have been judging this for a long time.” Justice SK Kaul said, “On gender equality, the armed forces have to do more. I’m happy that the heads of the armed forces have taken the decision. Compliment goes to you for persuading them.”
The Supreme Court further said, “If you had been instructed on the last hearing that this decision is being taken we would not have needed to interfere. You have to file an affidavit on what you are doing, what will be the steps in the future and what orders will be required from us.”
“Women officers of the Indian Army have brought laurels to the force… Their track record of service to the nation is beyond reproach. To cast aspersion on their abilities on the ground of gender is an affront not only to their dignity as women but to the dignity of the members of the Indian Army – men and women – who serve as equal citizens in a common mission. The time has come for a realisation that women officers in the Army are not adjuncts to a male-dominated establishment whose presence must be ‘tolerated’ within narrow confines,” Justice Chandrachud had observed in a 54-page judgment in the Army case.
