Women Army officers eligible for permanent commission, rules SC

Justice Chandrachud dismisses as a ‘stereotype’ government’s view that women are physiologically weaker than men.

Women Army Officers in a jubilant mood in New Delhi on Monday after Supreme Court directed the Centre to grant permanent commission to women within three months.

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the Union government’s submissions that women are physiologically weaker than men as a “sex stereotype” and declared that Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers are eligible for permanent commission and command posts in the Army irrespective of their years of service.

Family separation, career prospects of spouses, education of children, prolonged absence due to pregnancy, motherhood were a greater challenge for women to meet the exigencies of service. 

Implement it, observes SC after govt says women should go far ahead of men

Written note in SC containing govt’s views on permanent commission for women Army officers had raised eyebrows.

Women should not just strive to equal men but go far ahead of them, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court on Wednesday. 

This comes just a day after a written note of the government, represented by Mr. Mehta, in the Supreme Court, cast doubts about women officers matching up to men in physical prowess and their ability to take command posts in the Army.