New Delhi: Government today moved the
Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court judgement
directing it to grant permanent commission to women serving in
the Army.
The appeal against the March 12 verdict of the High
Court was filed a day after its single Bench issued contempt
notice to the Army Chief and Defence Ministry for not
complying with its direction.
The Centre, in its petition, has sought stay of the
operation of the High Court judgement and its review.
"We have filed the appeal against the High Court
judgement and have sought stay of its operation," advocate
Anil Katiyar who filed the petition on behalf of the Centre
told PTI.
The High Court, in a landmark judgement, had directed
the government to allow grant of permanent commission to women
serving in short service commission saying they "deserve
better from the government" which had shown reluctance in
treating them on par with their male counterpart.
Delivering the verdict on a batch of petitions filed
by more than 60 serving and retired women officers from Army
and air force, the division bench had said they would be
treated equally with male officers.
However, it had turned down their plea of being
allowed in combat operation.
The High Court had rejected the plea of the government
that permanent commission can be allowed only for future
recruitment and the benefit cannot be given retrospectively
for the serving and retired lady officers who had approached
the court.
The air force has complied with the High Court order.
No no officer from the Navy had approached the court.
Currently, women are inducted in the Army as officers
under Short Service Commission for a maximum period of 14
years whereas their male counterparts are eligible to receive
permanent commission after five years.
-PTI
