The Centre on September 8 gave the SupremeCourt the “good news” that it had taken a decision to allow women entry intothe National Defence Academy (NDA), so far a male bastion for recruitment intothe Armed Forces.
If this decision comes through formally onpaper, women can prepare for a career in the Armed Forces immediately afterClass 12.
“There is good news. The Forces at thehighest level and the government has taken a decision last evening to inductgirls for permanent commission through the National Defence Academy,”Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed a Bench led by JusticesSanjay Kishan Kaul and M.M. Sundresh.
The Supreme Court said, “We have been judgingthis for a long time.” Justice SK Kaul said, “On gender equality, the armedforces have to do more. I'm happy that the heads of the armed forces have takenthe decision. Compliment goes to you for persuading them.”
The Supreme Court further said, “If you hadbeen instructed on the last hearing that this decision is being taken we wouldnot have needed to interfere. You have to file an affidavit on what you aredoing, what will be the steps in the future and what orders will be requiredfrom us.”
The Bench ordered that female candidates cansit for the NDA exam on September 5 but the admissions will be subject to theoutcome of the petition.
A writ petition was filed by Kush Kalraseeking permission for women to sit for the NDA entrance exam. The petitionraised the issue of violation of Articles 14, 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitutionof India by denying the opportunity to eligible women candidates to join NDA.
At present, women are recruited in thedefence services as short service commission officers. On March 17, 2020, theSupreme Court ordered women officers to be given the same option of convertingtheir short service commission to permanent commission—as given to maleofficers.