The Supreme Court on Wednesday passed an interim order allowing women to take admission in the National Defence Exam (NDA) where earlier only man can join.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, argued that it is a policy decision of the government. Disagreeing with Centre’s contention, a bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy observed that this is a policy decision based on Gender discrimination.
The top court also pulled up the Army for resisting opportunities to women, and asked it to change its attitude and not wait for judicial orders to be passed in such matters.
In a fresh application the petitioner pointed out that UPSC on June 9, 2021, had issued a notice declaring the date of examination for admission to the Army, Navy, Air Force wings of the NDA.
The application said the examination notice is in complete violation of Article 14, 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitution. It pointed out that notice categorically states a condition for eligibility for the examination, that the candidate must be an unmarried male, which excludes eligible and willing female candidates.
The top court was hearing a plea seeking directions for necessary steps to be taken to allow eligible female candidates to appear for the National Defence academy or Naval Academy examination and train at the National Defence Academy.
