In a welcome move, the Supreme Court passed an interim order today allowing women to take the National Defence Academy exam set to take place on September 5. Till now, only men were allowed to take the exam, reports TOI.
The petition filed by Kush Kalra seeking permission for women candidates to appear for the NDA exam. According to the petition, denying such an opportunity to female applicants willing to join the National Defence Academy is a violation of sections 14 (equality), 15 (discrimination), 16 (discrimination in employment), 19 (freedom of speech) of the Constitution, reports Live Law.
The petitioner expressed that female candidates are being discriminated against solely because of their sex and it is not “constitutionally justifiable”.
When the centre argued that it is the “policy decision of the government”, the bench comprising of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy observed that the policy was based on “gender discrimination” and that the centre must take a “constructive view”, reports Business Standard.
The bench also slammed the Indian Army for “resisting opportunities to women” and asked them to “change their attitude”.
Several people lauded the Supreme Court’s decision. Here’s a look at some of them:
Indian also evolving from Cacoons. In 2021, after 75 years of Independence, this country grants women to take part in military entrance test. Ok, Better late than never.
Absolutely it reveals our regressive mindset. Just for example, see Olympics 🤷🏻♂️ Indian women outshines men.
— robert (@koihan_laihan) August 18, 2021
Excellent decision from Supreme Court !
— Samir (@rasamsamir) August 18, 2021
Great! Women must be given equal opportunities in all sectors
— AASHOK BHAASIN (@AshokBhasin15) August 18, 2021
I know there will be criticism for such orders by many but this is historic , first the permanent commission and now opening the gates of NDA for women !
Supreme court showing out there it's power under the constitution to those who questions it's credibility . https://t.co/mTCfFZK1UR— rishev singh (@rishev_singh) August 18, 2021
Still don't get it what was the logic for not allowing females to give National Defence Academy exam for all these years ?
A good decision by Supreme Court after a long time. https://t.co/9SvmH54Mfk
— Sumedh #DLM (@NonViolent14) August 18, 2021
Equality at it's finest :))#NDA https://t.co/lmeTF8uRaM
— Sharma Nidhi (@sheishere_nidhi) August 18, 2021
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