The SC exercising its powers under Article 142 of Constitution grants permanent commission to a woman Army officer (Lt. Col. Suprita chandel vs UOI & Ors).
- Background of Case: Following an amendment in 2013 to original policy, Armed Forces Tribunal had granted relief to other applicants by allowing them a one-time age relaxation.
- However, appellant was denied benefit as she was not a party to the original case.
- SC Verdict: ‘Reliefs granted to similarly situated individuals would be automatically extended to individuals who have not litigated their cases’.
- The court cited similar judgments in past i.e. Amrit Lal Berry (1975) & K.I. Shephard case (1987).
Permanent Commission to Women in Army
- In 1992, for the 1st time Centre allowed females to join certain cadres of army like Short Service Commission, Army Service Corps etc.
- Until 2020, women were not allowed to be appointed as Permanent Commissions (until age of retirement) in Army.
- They were appointed to be Short Service Commission officers with tenure of 10+4 years.
- The SC in Babita Puniya & Ors. case (2020) ordered grant of permanent commission to women & held them to be eligible to hold command posts.
- It held that denying women officers a permanent commission was a violation fundamental right to equality (Article 14).
Article 142
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