'Ensure women's permanent commission in Coast Guard'

The Supreme Court directed the Central government on Monday to ensure the provision of permanent commission for women in the Indian Coast Guard, warning that the court would intervene if the government fails to act.

- ASHISH SINHA

A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, along with Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, made this remark while considering submissions by Attorney General R Venkataramani regarding operational challenges in granting permanent commissions to Short Service Commission Officers (SSCOs).

Dismissing arguments based on functionality in the year 2024, the Chief Justice stated, “All these functional arguments do not hold weight. Women cannot be left out. If you do not do it, we will intervene. So, take that into consideration.”

The Attorney General informed the bench about the establishment of a board by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to address the issues raised.

“You must have women on board,” the bench said, and scheduled the hearing for Friday due to time constraints today.