The Court was hearing a PIL claiming that denying women opportunity to be part of NDA was violative of their fundamentals rights.
The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that women will be admitted into the National Defence Academy (NDA) for permanent commission into India’s armed forces, calling it a “historic decision” and asked for additional time to frame guidelines.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told the court, “I am delighted to share this. Girls will be admitted in NDA. We will place a detailed affidavit.”
The Court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition claiming that denying women opportunity to be part of NDA was violative of their fundamentals rights under Articles 14, 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitution.
Also read: “Regressive Mindset”: SC Rebukes Army For Not Allowing Women In NDA, Military Schools
The Court had during the previous hearing of the case, passed an interim order allowing women candidates to appear for NDA entrance exam.
The Court appreciated the Centre’s decision on the issue. “We have the nudged the authorities to take steps. The armed forces are respected branch in the country but for gender equality they need to do more. We are happy with the stand. Let us hear the matter next week. Reforms cannot happen in a day, we are also conscious,” the Court said.
Despite opposition by the Centre, in February 2020, the Supreme Court had ordered that women officers in the Army be granted Permanent Commission on par with their male counterparts.
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