SC seeks Centre’s response over gender disparity in army’s legal wing

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

New Delhi, May 14: The Supreme Court has questioned the low number of women officers in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) (legal) branch of the Indian Army and has sought a response from the Centre on the matter.

A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan raised the issue on May 8 during the hearing of a petition filed by women officers Arshnoor Kaur and Aastha Tyagi.

The court asked why, when women are capable of flying advanced fighter jets like the Rafale in the Air Force, their representation remains low in the legal branch of the Army, which is considered gender-neutral.

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The petitioners, Arshnoor Kaur and Aastha Tyagi, had secured the fourth and fifth ranks, respectively, in the JAG branch merit list but were not selected because only three of the six available positions were reserved for women. The remaining three positions were designated for male candidates. As a result of this system, male candidates with lower ranks were selected while more qualified female candidates were excluded.

Justice Manmohan questioned the Centre, stating that if women can operate complex machines like Rafale jets, why are they not being given equal opportunities in branches like JAG, which rely purely on legal and intellectual aptitude?

The court also raised concerns over the rationale behind a 50-50 gender-based selection policy when the posts are deemed gender-neutral and merit-based.

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After hearing the arguments, the Supreme Court reserved its judgment and expressed hope that the Centre would provide a clear explanation of its policy.

The issue of women’s representation in the armed forces has long been a topic of debate, with the Supreme Court previously delivering landmark judgments in favour of granting permanent commissions and combat roles to women. Now, the demand for equal opportunity is gaining momentum even in technical and professional branches like JAG.