The Supreme Court emphasized that the Coast Guard must align with the Army and Navy’s decisions to grant permanent commission to women officers.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India Today (19 Feb, 2024), has made a strong statement in favor of granting permanent commission to women officers in the Indian Coast Guard. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, criticized the existing gender disparities and called for immediate action to align the Coast Guard’s policies with those of the Army and Navy, both of which already offer permanent commissions to women.
The court’s message was clear and compelling:
“You speak of ‘Nari shakti Nari shakti’. Now show it here. You are in the deep end of the sea here. I don’t think Coast Guard can say they can fall out of the line when Army, Navy have all done it (given permanent commission to women officers). You all have not read the Babita Punia judgment,”
-the justices remarked, referencing a pivotal judgment that underscored the need for gender parity in the armed forces.
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This directive not only challenges the status quo but also questions the patriarchal mindset that has historically limited women’s roles within certain sectors of the defense forces. The Supreme Court’s inquiry into the matter highlighted a broader issue of gender bias:
“Why be so patriarchal that you do not want see women in the Coast Guard segment? You have women in the Navy. What is so special about Coast Guard? We will open up the whole canvas. Times are gone where we say women cannot be in the Coast Guard. Women can guard the borders. Women can guard the coasts as well,”
-the Court stated, emphasizing that there should be no barriers to women serving in any capacity within the armed forces.
This ruling is not just a win for gender equality; it’s a significant step forward in recognizing and utilizing “Nari Shakti” (women’s power) in all spheres of national security and defense. By advocating for the inclusion of women in all roles within the Coast Guard, the Supreme Court is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable defense force. This decision sends a powerful message across all sectors: gender should not and cannot be a barrier to serving one’s country in any capacity.
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The Supreme Court’s stance is a clarion call for change, urging the Indian Coast Guard to update its policies and practices to reflect the evolving dynamics of gender equality. It reinforces the idea that women are equally capable of contributing to the nation’s security and underscores the need for the armed forces to embrace this change wholeheartedly.
This decision is a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving full gender parity in India’s defense services, marking a new era where “Nari Shakti” is recognized as an integral part of the nation’s strength and resilience.
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