Indian Army and Centre Defend Promotion Practices for Women Officers

Affirming Gender Neutrality

The Indian Army and the Centre have staunchly refuted accusations of discrimination and gender bias in the promotion of women officers to the rank of colonel in comparison to their male counterparts. Emphasizing their commitment to gender neutrality, both entities have asserted that promotions are granted solely based on merit, without compromising on established promotion policies.

Merit-Based Consideration

In a joint affidavit filed on March 7, the Indian Army and the central government affirmed that promotions are granted without any bias on the basis of gender. They emphasized that women officers are considered for advancement solely on the merits of their performance and qualifications, thereby dismissing any allegations of discriminatory practices.

Judicial Review

The affidavit, submitted in response to a petition by certain army officers alleging discriminatory practices in promotions, is scheduled for consideration by a bench presided over by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud on April 1. This judicial review marks the culmination of a process initiated by the Supreme Court, indicating a commitment to ensuring fairness and equity within the Indian Army’s promotion policies.

Persistent Allegations

This is not the first time that the Indian Army has faced accusations of discrimination and gender bias in its promotion practices. In February 2020, the Supreme Court intervened, ordering equal treatment for women short service commission (SSC) officers in terms of permanent commission opportunities. The court’s ruling rejected notions of inherent “physiological limitations” among women officers, terming such assertions as rooted in gender stereotypes and constituting discrimination. The directive mandated that all serving SSC women officers be considered for permanent commission, regardless of their years of service, within a specified timeframe.

Commitment to Equality

The repeated challenges to the Indian Army’s promotion practices underscore the ongoing struggle to achieve gender equality within the institution. However, the Army and the Centre’s firm stance on merit-based promotions and gender neutrality signals a commitment to upholding fairness and inclusivity. As the judiciary prepares to review the submitted affidavit, the outcome of this legal process holds significant implications for the advancement of women officers and the broader pursuit of gender equality within the Indian Army.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindustan Times