Lady in command post

In a historic order upholding the right of women to equal opportunity in the Indian Army, the Supreme Court has paved the way for all serving Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers to be eligible for permanent commission (PC) on a par with their male colleagues. The verdict opens the avenue for meritorious women officers to get command postings, promotions, rank and pension. Reeking of gender discrimination and violative of Article 14 that guarantees equality, these benefits were till now denied to them as the women were allowed a tenure of up to only 14 years. Significantly, this restriction not only prevented them from reaching the pinnacle in their career, but also disqualified them from pension, which starts only after 20 years of service.

History is witness to a number of awe-inspiring and brave women leading thousands of men in battles, including the famous Joan of Arc and our very own Rani of Jhansi. Recognising the valour and capability of women in military matters in the past couple of decades, countries such as the US, Israel, North Korea, France, Germany, Netherlands, Australia and Canada have allowed women in groundbreaking combat positions. While stopping short of granting this role to the Indian women, the Supreme Court judgment notably rubbished the patriarchal concept that portrays women as weak by pointing out the fact that 30 per cent of our women officers are deployed in conflict zones. This effectively exposes the government stance that women are physiologically unfit for higher Army ranks as farcical and hollow.

In the light of the forward-looking order that bestows dignity on able women, it is now a question of time before women officers in the Indian Army acquire positions of command. In the meanwhile, the rank and file of the military would do well to throw outdated perceptions of male superiority out of the window — that are generally proffered to keep them down — and be prepared to take orders from them. The mission is of utmost importance and women are equally capable of helming it.  

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