In Brief
Seventeen women officers of the Indian Navy joined as Short Service Commissioned (SSC) officers but were discharged after 14 years without consideration for Permanent Commissions (PCs). The Supreme Court held that once the statutory bar on women's appointment was lifted by government notifications, women officers became entitled to equal treatment under naval regulations. A 2008 policy making PC grants prospective was declared invalid as it contradicted an earlier 1999 policy and binding regulations. The Court directed all serving SSC women officers to be considered for PCs on merit, and granted pensionary benefits and compensation to those already retired, rejecting gender-based stereotypes and operational excuses for discrimination.
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