The Centre on September 8 gave the Supreme Court the “good news” that it had taken a decision to allow women entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA), so far a male bastion for recruitment into the Armed Forces.
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.”
The Bench ordered that female candidates can sit for the NDA exam on September 5 but the admissions will be subject to the outcome of the petition.
A writ petition was filed by Kush Kalra seeking permission for women to sit for the NDA entrance exam. The petition raised the issue of violation of Articles 14, 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitution of India by denying the opportunity to eligible women candidates to join NDA.
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At present, women are recruited in the defence services as short service commission officers. On March 17, 2020, the Supreme Court ordered women officers to be given the same option of converting their short service commission to permanent commission—as given to male officers.