New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, rebuked the Centre on Monday for its patriarchal stance regarding the denial of permanent commission to women officers in the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The bench questioned why women officers in the ICG are not treated on par with their male counterparts, as is the practice in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.Upholding justice for Priyanka TyagiThe courts remarks came during the hearing of a plea filed by Priyanka Tyagi, who was denied permanent entry into the ICG. Expressing its commitment to ensuring justice, the bench emphasized that its intervention would extend beyond individual cases.Calls for gender equalityAddressing Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee, the Chief Justice emphasized the importance of empowering women in the armed forces. Tyagi, a pilot with the ICG, had served for 14 years, saving over 300 lives at sea and logging 4,500 flying hours – the highest among both men and women in the armed forces.In a significant move, Tyagi was part of the historic all-women crew on a Dornier aircraft for maritime patrolling in the eastern region in 2016. Despite her outstanding achievements, she was denied permanent commission, prompting her to seek legal recourse.You speak of Nari Shakti. Now show it here. You are in the deep end of the sea here. I dont think Coast Guard can say they can fall out of the line when the Army, Navy and Air Force have done it, the CJI told Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Vikramjit Banerjee. He submitted that ICG operates in a different domain compared to the Army and Navy.Court expands scope of investigationThe Supreme Court, noting the denial of interim relief by the Delhi High Court, expanded the scope of the case to examine the policy regarding the permanent commission for women in the ICG. The bench directed the Centre to review its stance and provide explanations for its discriminatory practices.Upholding womens rightsThe court criticized the patriarchal mindset that denies women the opportunity to serve in the Coast Guard segment, highlighting that women are already serving in the Navy. The bench underscored the need to move past outdated gender biases and acknowledged womens capability to contribute effectively to coastal security.
