The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Supreme Court has voiced significant concern over the Indian Coast Guard’s opposition to granting Permanent Commission (PC) to women officers, a stance not observed in other defense branches such as the Army, Air Force, and Navy, which have started inducting women on a permanent basis following judicial directives. The matter, previously under deliberation in the Delhi High Court, has been transferred to the Supreme Court for resolution, reflecting its critical nature.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, leading the bench, highlighted the inconsistency in the Coast Guard’s policy compared to other military services. The court’s decision came while addressing an appeal by Officer Priyanka Tyagi, who was denied interim relief by the High Court regarding her continued service as Deputy Commandant.
The Supreme Court has granted interim relief to Tyagi, allowing her to continue her service until further orders, and has mandated her placement in a position appropriate to her qualifications, along with entitlement to salary arrears.
In its discussion, the court criticized the Coast Guard for remaining an outlier in the advancement of women in the armed forces, pointing out the broader constitutional implications under Article 15, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
The court’s frustration was evident as it discussed the administrative inertia within the Coast Guard, which has been slow to implement infrastructural changes necessary for deploying female officers on sea-borne missions. This has been a significant factor in the reluctance to grant women Permanent Commissions, ostensibly due to logistical challenges presented by existing ship designs, which do not accommodate women.
The Supreme Court has scheduled further hearings for July 19, 2024, expecting the Union to submit a counter affidavit that clarifies these ongoing issues. This case not only underscores the legal battles for gender equality within the Indian military but also the Supreme Court’s proactive role in ensuring that constitutional guarantees are upheld across all branches of government service.