Agency (New Delhi):
The Delhi High Court directed the Central Government to implement, within six months, provisions that would enable the recruitment of women to certain constable positions in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), ensuring parity with men. This decision came after the Centre informed the court about its consideration of such provisions.
During a hearing before a bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna, the Centre’s counsel admitted the absence of a timeline for introducing changes in the relevant recruitment rules. The bench emphasized the need for concrete action, instructing the authorities to make the necessary amendments within the stipulated six-month period.
In May, the Centre had communicated to the high court a proposal from CISF to amend recruitment rules, allowing the recruitment of women to the posts of constable/driver and constable/driver-cum-pump operator (driver for fire services) at par with men. The court was also informed that similar changes were being considered for other paramilitary forces, with the Centre requesting eight weeks to complete the amendment process.
The court’s directive was in response to a petition filed by Kush Kalra, alleging “institutional discrimination” against women in CISF recruitment for constables and drivers. Kalra, represented by advocate Charu Wali Khanna, had discovered an advertisement by CISF seeking only male candidates for these positions.
The petition argued that excluding women from these posts constituted a violation of their fundamental human rights and lacked rational basis. It challenged the institutional discrimination practiced by the Centre and CISF, asserting that such discrimination could not withstand the Supreme Court’s standard of “reasonable basis for treating equals differently.”
Seeking a directive for the recruitment of women to these CISF posts on par with men, the petition also inquired about the steps taken by the force towards gender equality. The Delhi High Court’s decision marks a significant move towards addressing gender disparity in security forces and upholding the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in employment.