Sacking woman on account of marriage gender bias, says Supreme Court

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 22

Taking exception to a lieutenant being released from her job in the Military Nursing Service on account of her marriage, the Supreme Court has said terminating the services of a woman on account of marriage under a service rule “is a coarse case of gender discrimination and inequality”.

Dealing with a case of former Lieutenant Selina John, a Bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta said acceptance of such patriarchal norms undermined human dignity. It directed the Centre to pay a compensation of Rs 60 lakh to John.

The Bench, however, modified the tribunal’s order directing John’s reinstatement along with back wages and other benefits, saying the compensation would be the full and final settlement of all claims made by the ex-officer.

“We are unable to accept any submission that the respondent former Lt Selina John, who was a permanent commissioned officer in the Military Nursing Service, could have been released/discharged on the ground that she had got married,” the Bench noted. “This rule, it is accepted, was applicable to only women nursing officers. Such rule was ex-facie manifestly arbitrary, as terminating employment because the woman has got married is a coarse case of gender discrimination and inequality,” the Bench said.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.

#Supreme Court