SC notes women Navy officers achievements serving on warship

The achievements of women Navy officers, including those serving on-board the INS Jyoti warship, were highlighted on Tuesday by the Supreme Court while paving the way for them to get permanent commission in the Indian Navy.

The apex court cited the examples of Commander Ruby Singh, who became the first Indian woman to lead a platoon in the contingent of the Indian Navy at Raj Path on Republic Day in 1993, and the all-women crew of INSV Tarini which had circumnavigated the globe.

Referring to accolades which have been bestowed on women officers in the Indian Navy, a bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and Ajay Rastogi said the performance at work and dedication to the cause of the nation are the surest answers to prevailing gender stereotypes.

"To deprive serving women officers of the opportunity to work as equals with men on PCs (permanent commissions) in the Indian Navy is plainly discriminatory.

"Furthermore, to contend that women officers are ill-suited to certain avocations which involve them being aboard ships is contrary to the equal worth of the women officers who dedicate their lives to serving in the cause of the nation," the bench said.

It also cited the example of Sub-lieutenant Shivangi, who became the first pilot for the Indian Navy, Lieutenant Sandhya Suri who served on board the warship INS Jyoti, Commander Suhas Patankar for receiving CinC Commendation as well as the Best Instructor Award (INS Shivaji).

Commander Reena Magdalene had served on-board INS Sujatha (2002), she received the Chief of Naval Staff commendation and was awarded the Best Instructor award at INS Valsura (1998), Commander Anuradha Kanchi and Commander Babita Rawat had received the Chief of Naval Staff commendation.

Commanders Shivani, Rajeshwari Kori and Bhawna Salaria had received the Vice-Chief of Naval Staff commendation, the bench noted.

It also cited that naval officers Anuradha Chauhan, Anupama Chauhan, Pawan Preet Maan, Shilpa, Prabha Lal, Savitri Panwar, Pushpa Pandey and Rupali Rohatgi were all awarded the CinC Commendation.

The apex court said that women and men officers should be treated equally and asked the Centre to complete the modalities within three months.

It said there cannot be 101 excuses for not granting gender equality in the armed forces and a level playing field is needed.

Denying permanent commission to women officers who have served the nation would result in a serious miscarriage of justice, it said.

The bench rejected the Centre's stand that sea sailing duties cannot be granted to SSC (Short Service Commission) women officers in the Navy because its Russian vessels do not have washrooms for them.