Supreme Court asks Army to get things in order on women officers

New Delhi: The Supreme Court asked the army to put its "house in order" in the matter of women officers.

The court was hearing a plea of 34 women army officers who alleged that male officers who are junior to them are being considered for promotions over them for combat and commanding roles.

The bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha said it feels like it has not been "fair" to the women officers who have alleged delay in promotions after being granted permanent commissions on the directions of the top court in 2020.

The top court said it feels that the army has not been fair to these women officers. "We are going to pass a peremptory order on Tuesday. You better set your house in order and tell us what you are doing for them. First, do not announce the results for the male officers who were considered in October (for promotions) until you announce their (women's) results."

"Two things, which you will have to do now. One, in pursuance of the SB III which was held in October for male officers, no male officer shall be posted until their (women) SB III is complete. We mean Jain (ASG) and Col Bala (senior lawyer). I am not sure about your organisation," declared the court.

Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain and senior advocate R Balasubramanian, appearing for the Centre and the armed forces, were also asked why women officers were not considered for promotions in October.

Senior advocate V Mohna, appearing for the women officers, said that since the apex court judgement granting permanent commission to the women officers, 1,200 junior male officers have been promoted. "Even after the last hearing, nine male officers were placed on higher ranks. Let there be no promotions before the senior female officers are promoted. I know the good-intentioned lawyers are appearing in the matter and I am not against the lawyers and I am making these grievances against the administration," she said.