The Delhi high court on Monday issued a contempt notice to the chief of army staff after the force failed to comply with its previous order directing grant of permanent commission to serving women officers who were selected for short service commission.
Justice GS Sistani also sought a response from the secretary, defence ministry, and the adjutant-general by August 18 on a petition by Lt Col Sangita Sardana and other women army officers alleging the force has failed to grant them permanent commission.
The court also stayed the army’s decision to release the next batch of women officers.
On March 12, the court directed the government to allow the grant of permanent commission to women officers serving in the defence services on petitions by more than 60 serving and retired women officers. Appearing before the court, the women officers’ counsel Rekha Palli argued for contempt of court proceedings to be initiated against the respondent (army) for “wilful 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 cannot be granted permanent commission,” the court had said. “It is not that charity is being sought by the women officers.”
