The Army and Air Force have broadened their horizons and made more room for women in the line of duty. But the navy is still steadfastly refusing any changes. In fact it has now gone ahead and moved the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court judgement that ordered women officers on short service commission to be made permanent.
As of now, based on their announcement in 2008, the navy offers permanent commission to very select women officers only in specific categories based on their performance (that’s prospective basis in legal jargon). But the Delhi High Court judgement orders them to offer permanent commission to all women who have completed their short service commissions (that’s retrospective basis).
The navy justified their resistance in bringing about gender equality by citing financial constraints and operational issues.
“The impact of the HC judgment in giving retrospective effect to the policy decision of September 26, 2008 (despite the same being expressly prospective) and extending its scope severely affects the operational structures and administrative exigencies in the Indian Navy,” it said.
It also went on to add that not only is bringing women into the force against the law, it would also affect seniority and promotion of existing male personnel. Talk about narrow mindedness!
“The judgment would result in disturbing the seniority of the existing personnel and their promotional avenues. It would further cause financial and other constraints on the government and has resulted in petitioner women officers being provided with something that the law itself bars,” the navy said.
That said, Section 9 of the Navy Act, 1957 provides that “no woman would be eligible for appointment or enrollment in the Indian Navy or the Indian Naval Reserve Force except in such department, branch or other body forming part thereof subject to conditions laid by the government”.
Image Courtesy: BCCL
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