The officers, inducted into these cadres, are suppose to man and operate ships as their basic job. These officers, on a compulsory basis, are also required to undergo extensive sea training onboard ships, followed by extended tenures on the vessels.

Plea calls out violation of fundamental rights 

“Sea-time is also mandatory to make officers eligible for promotion to the next rank,” said the government affidavit. It also added that the non-induction of women into these branches was purely a policy decision.

The Centre factually pointed out how since 1992, more women have been recruited into education, logistics and law branches of the Navy. “The induction of women officers into the Navy has been incremental, graduated, and progressive,” said the affidavit.

Lawyer Kush Kalra had filed the public interest litigation, accusing the Navy on various grounds of discrimination. The plea alleged that this kind of gender discrimination straightaway violates fundamental rights. Kalra mentioned all kinds of fundamental rights in his plea, in relation to this case, which included equality, equality of opportunity in public employment, right to practise any profession and occupation, and human rights of women.

The plea also said Navy’s notification to recruit only men in the general service cadres under the university entry scheme, while barring entry of women candidates, should be declared void.

Also Read: No Place For Egos On A Ship, INS Tarini Crew An Inspiration

More stories by Bhawana