Indian Coast Guard emphasizes commitment to gradually induct more women officers, informing Supreme Court Today that current recruitment rules for short service commission officers expressly prohibit them from seeking permanent commission. Affidavit filed in response to plea by female officer seeking permanent commission. CJI D Y Chandrachud led bench recently directed Centre to ensure women are granted permanent commission in Coast Guard, stating they cannot be excluded.
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NEW DELHI: The Indian Coast Guard Today (March 13th) expressed its commitment to progressively increasing the number of women officers within its ranks. This assertion came in an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, responding to a petition by a female officer seeking permanent commission within the maritime force. Despite this commitment, the Coast Guard highlighted that its current recruitment regulations for short service commission officers explicitly exclude the possibility of these officers transitioning to a permanent commission.
In the affidavit, articulated by ICG Deputy Inspector General Raj Kamal Sinha, it was clarified,
“It is submitted that the said Recruitment Rules (of ICG) specifically stipulated that women officers shall not have the option to change over to permanent entry scheme in the future, and the same was also mentioned in the appointment letter issued to the selected candidates, including the Petitioner in the present case.”
The document further elaborates on the operational challenges faced by the Coast Guard, noting that-
“The Coast Guard is committed to incrementally induct more women officers, however, the Indian Coast Guard is primarily a sea-going service with 66% billets sanctioned for manning afloat units and only 33% billets sanctioned for manning shore support units.”
It pointed out the logistical hurdles due to the majority of positions being at sea, where accommodations and facilities have not historically been designed with women in mind.
The affidavit also states-
“For the purpose of enlarging the strength of their entry several operational measures are required to be undertaken. Without putting into effect such operational measure, provision for a greater number of women officers will not be feasible. To go beyond this issue, necessary steps are being contemplated…”
Addressing the nature of the Coast Guard’s duties, the affidavit mentions-
“The ICG charter demands conduct of operations which include anti-piracy, anti-smuggling operations and other law enforcement duties at sea… Thus the working conditions are required to be made conducive for women officer to work onboard ships before further permanent entry is provided for.”
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, has been critical of the existing limitations, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and equality. The Court remarked-
“All these functionality etc argument does not hold water in the year 2024. Women cannot be left out. If you do not do it, we will do it. So take a look at that.”
This was in response to the Attorney General R Venkataramani, who cited functional and operational challenges in extending permanent commission to women in the Coast Guard.
The Court’s stance reflects a broader push for gender equality within the armed forces, as it urged,
“You speak of ‘nari shakti’ (woman power). Now show it here. You are in the deep end of the sea in this matter. You must come up with a policy which treats women fairly.”
The bench also questioned why the case of the petitioner, the sole SSC woman officer seeking permanent commission, was not considered, signaling a clear directive for the Coast Guard to establish a fair and inclusive policy.
This ongoing legal dialogue underscores the evolving expectations for gender roles within military and para-military forces, highlighting the judiciary’s role in advocating for equitable treatment and opportunities for women in all sectors, including the defense services.
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