In a significant ultimatum directed at the Centre regarding the contentious issue of granting permanent commission to Coast Guard officers, the Supreme Court made a resolute stance on Monday, asserting that women must not be excluded from this opportunity. The Court declared its intent to intervene if the government fails to act promptly on the matter.

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, leading the bench, vehemently criticized the government’s “patriarchal attitude” and challenged its commitment to ‘Nari Shakti’ (women empowerment). The bench, which also included other judges, highlighted the presence of a Permanent Commission for women in the Navy, thereby questioning the rationale behind denying a similar opportunity in the Coast Guard.

“Why so patriarchal that you do not want to see women in the Coast Guard segment? You have women in the navy; what is so special about the Coast Guard?” questioned Chief Justice Chandrachud during the proceedings.

The Supreme Court’s attention was drawn to the matter through a plea filed by a woman officer of the Indian Coast Guard, advocating for the grant of permanent commission to eligible women short-service commission officers within the force.

This isn’t the first time the apex court has chastised the Centre and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for withholding permanent commission from its women officers. The Court previously emphasized the necessity for a policy ensuring fair treatment of women within the maritime force.

The Court has now scheduled the next hearing on March 1.