The Supreme Court has raised a sharp question to the central government, asking why women cannot hold top positions in the Indian Army’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch when they are capable of flying advanced fighter jets like the Rafale in the Indian Air Force.
A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan made this observation while reserving its verdict on May 8 in response to petitions filed by two women officers—Arshnoor Kaur and Aastha Tyagi. The bench noted the discriminatory practices in promotions within the Army’s legal branch and questioned the logic behind denying permanent commission and higher roles to women in this segment.
The apex court emphasized the growing role of women across all spheres of the armed forces and pointed out that the country has already seen women serving in combat and leadership roles. The court has asked the Centre to submit its response, after which the final judgment will be pronounced.
This development adds to the ongoing debate around gender equality in the Indian Armed Forces, especially after earlier judgments promoting equal opportunities for women in the Army and Navy.
