Delhi HC allows permanent commission for women in Navy

In a major relief for women naval officers, the Delhi High Court on Friday allowed permanent commission for women in Navy.

The court allowed a group of pleas seeking permanent commission for them in the force.

The court added that sexist bias and service bias will not be allowed to block progress of women.

The court, while granting their plea, said the women are here to stay and since they work shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, it would not allow any endeavour to restrain the progress of women.

While the Army and Air Force allow permanent commission for women, the Navy has limited women officers to short service commission of 14 years only.

A two judge bench also allowed women naval officers' plea seeking retirement benefits like pension. Women naval officers were not eligible for pension as it required 20 years of service.