M31 Global News – February 26, 2024
M31 Global News reports that the Supreme Court of India has issued a landmark ruling mandating the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to grant permanent commission to women officers. This decision comes after a legal battle fought by Lt. Commander Priyanka Tyagi, who challenged the ICG’s policy of offering only short-service commissions to women officers.
![Supreme Court slams India's Coast Guard for denying permanent commission to women officers, calling it "patriarchal."](https://m31globalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image-79.png)
The Verdict:
The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, delivered a scathing judgment on February 19, 2024. They criticized the Centre and the ICG for their “patriarchal attitude” and questioned the discriminatory policy against women officers.
“You speak of ‘Nari Shakti’ (woman power),” the court stated, referring to a government initiative promoting women’s empowerment. “Now show it here. You are in the deep end of the sea in this matter. You must have women on board. Women cannot be left out,” they emphasized.
Breaking Barriers:
This ruling marks a significant step towards gender equality in the Indian armed forces. Until now, the ICG was the only defense service that didn’t offer permanent commission to women officers, limiting their career progression and retirement benefits compared to their male counterparts.
The judgment paves the way for Lt. Commander Tyagi and other eligible women officers in the ICG to be considered for permanent commission, allowing them to serve for a full tenure and hold higher positions within the organization.
Reactions:
The Supreme Court’s verdict has been met with widespread appreciation from various quarters. Women rights activists have hailed it as a victory for gender equality and a step towards a more inclusive defense force.
Lt. Commander Tyagi expressed her gratitude and stated, “This judgment is not just about me, but about all the women officers who have served and continue to serve the Coast Guard with dedication and sacrifice.”
The Indian government is yet to officially announce its plan for implementing the court’s order. However, this decision is expected to have a significant impact on the future of women in the ICG and potentially influence similar policies in other defense services.
Key Takeaways:
- Supreme Court orders permanent commission for women officers in the Indian Coast Guard.
- The decision addresses the issue of gender inequality within the ICG.
- The verdict upholds the principle of equal rights and opportunities for women in the armed forces.
M31 Global News will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
The Team, M31Global News