HC notice to army chief over women officers

The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to the army chief on a contempt petition filed by women officers of the army for not abiding by the court order to grant them permanent commission.

The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to the army chief on a contempt petition filed by women officers of the army for not abiding by the court order to grant them permanent commission.

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Their lawyer Rekha Palli argued that the Indian Air Force had begun granting permanent commission to its women officials following the March 12, 2010 order of the court but the army was yet to take any step.

Justice G.S. Sistani has sought a response from the defence ministry secretary by August 18 on the plea filed by Lt Colonel Sangita Sardana and other serving women officers.

Palli demanded initiation of contempt of court proceedings against army for “willful disobedience” of the judgment.

There were also male officers performing the same task. If the male officers can be granted permanent commission while performing those tasks, there is no reason why equally capable women officers can’t be granted permanent commission.

“It is not a charity being sought by the women officers but enforcement of their own Constitutional rights,” the court had said.