The Supreme Court has raised eyebrows at the surprising absence of promotions for women officers in the Indian Navy, despite being granted a permanent commission in 2020. The court has directed the Union Defence Ministry to produce confidential papers about the denial of promotion for six women officers who alleged "systematic discrimination."
Allegations of Systematic Discrimination
Earlier this week, senior advocate V Mohana, representing the six officers, told the court that systematic discrimination has led to the denial of promotions. The petitioners were being considered against their junior batches instead of their male counterparts. The court, concerned about this revelation, posted the matter for January 2024.
Court's Surprise and Direction
The Chief Justice of India, Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, expressed astonishment at the revelation that not a single woman officer had been deemed fit for promotion after the Supreme Court's 2020 judgment. The court directed the Navy to provide confidential documents that played a role in denying promotions to the six officers who sought advancement to the rank of Captain.
Centre's Response and Call for Special Selection Board
The Attorney General, R Venkataramani, confirmed that not a single woman officer had been promoted among those granted a permanent commission. The Centre, while agreeing to produce relevant reports, sought to separate this case from similar petitions in the Indian Army. The Navy argued that a special Selection Board could not be constituted unless certain officers were available.
The Supreme Court's intervention sheds light on the need for transparency and fairness in promotions for women officers in the Indian Navy. The direction to produce confidential papers underscores the court's commitment to addressing allegations of systematic discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for women in the armed forces. The case, scheduled for January, holds significance in the context of the court's earlier ruling granting permanent commissions to Short Service Commission women officers in the Navy.
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