An interim order passed by Supreme Court on Wednesday has opened new doors for women candidates to join Indian defense forces through the NDA exam. This development move is taken by the bench of Justice Mr. Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Mr. Hrishikesh Roy.
Every year NDA examination is conducted by UPSC in which only unmarried male candidates are eligible to participate while women are barred from this exam.
This interim decision is a result of a petition lodged by Kush Kalra who was seeking progressive steps needs to be taken to allow eligible female aspirants to apply for NDA, NA and further be trained at the National defense academy. Regrading this plea, a notice was issued to the center by then Chief Justice of India, Mr. S. A. Bobde, on March 10, 2021.
Restricting women from these national-level exams is also considered a violation of Articles 14, 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitution.
During the hearing center’s representative additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati argued that it is a policy decision of the government. However, expressing disappointment the bench said, “what kind of policy decision is it which is based on gender discrimination. Center needs to take a constructive view.”
The Supreme Court expressed its concern about restricting opportunities to women by the army and asked them to change their attitude in such cases. Also, it is said that they don’t need to wait for the final decision at least for entry-level exam that is slated to be held on the 5th of September. Further admission will be subjected to the final decision.
