The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Friday urged the Central government to intervene and ensure that the Army implemented the Delhi High Court order on granting permanent commission to women officers.
In a letter to Defence Minister A.K. Antony, party MP and Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat lauded him for persuading the Air Force to implement the order benefiting 22 women officers. He should also ask the Army to follow suit.
‘Bias against women'
“It is, however, extremely unfortunate that the Army has not implemented the High Court order yet. This shows a bias and prejudice against women, which cannot be tolerated in any democratic society. One cannot have such double standards in the defence services of one force accepting the High Court order and another violating it. This hardly brings any credit to the Army,” Ms. Karat said.
Under these circumstances, she said, the will of the executive was required. As the Defence Minister, Mr. Antony should ensure that the Army shed it “retrograde outlook” towards women officers and implement the order without delay. “Since the persuasion has failed, I hope you will direct the Army to take necessary action.”
