Supreme Court stays immediate release of 72 women army officers seeking permanent commission
The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Central Government to hold the immediate release of 72 Women Army officers before Supreme Court alleging that they have been denied permanent commission.
A divisional bench of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice BV Nagarathna said that the office of Additional Solicitor General and Defense Ministry will file an detailed affidavit explaining the position.
Senior Advocate V Mohan appearing for the petitioners submitted that the order of the Defense Ministry has been declassified, it is humiliating and unfair for these officers.
Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora appearing for the petitioners submitted that the Supreme Court judgment had stated that in case we secure above 60% Permanent Commission will be granted, whereas, we have been rejected despite of having above 60% marks.
However, Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain submitted that if the 72 officers have been found unfit for the permanent commission then there must be some reason. Jain further added that we'll ask the Ministry to place reasoning for denial, there must be 72 reason.
Earlier, in the plea filed by Lt. Col Nitisha the apex court had noted, "
- Administrative requirement by the Army authorities of benchmarking eligible SSC Officers for grant of Permanent Commission, with the officers lowest in merit in the corresponding male batch, held arbitrary and irrational.
- All women officers who have fulfilled the cut-off grade of 60% in the Special No. 5 Selection Board held in September 2020 shall be entitled to the grant of Permanent Commission, subject to medical criteria and disciplinary/vigilance clearance."
The Court have asked Jain to submit a chart presenting the candidates who have been rejected the reasoning for their denial. The Court has listed the matter for further hearing on Friday while directing that the women officers will not be released before next date.
Case Title: Nilam Gorwade and Ors. Vs. Manoj Mukund Naravane and Ors. and other Connected Matters.