In an unequivocal stance for gender equality within the Indian Coast Guard, the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has directed the Indian Coast Guard to provide a policy grant for women’s permanent commissions. During the proceedings on February 26, 2024, CJI Chandrachud firmly advised Attorney General R. Venkataramani to overcome functional and operational objections and enshrine gender fairness in the force’s policies.
Responding to a petitioner, Officer Priyanka Tyagi, who demands equitable treatment and opportunity for female short-service commission officers in the Indian Coast Guard, the Supreme Court opposed any ‘patriarchal’ excuses hindering such equality. The Court’s insistence highlights the essential role of women (‘nari shakti’) in all sectors, including the military, and challenges implicit gender biases by refuting the notion that women are ‘lesser beings.’
The Apex Court’s dialogue with the Attorney General underscores a decisive shift in addressing historical gender disparities and sets a next hearing date for March 1, 2024, to ensure compliance. With the judiciary’s commitment to propel women’s roles in the Indian Armed Forces to the forefront, the question of permanent commission for women in the Coast Guard seems poised for a revolutionary change. The case’s progression is a testament to the ongoing effort to dismantle the barriers faced by women in traditionally male-dominated realms.