TNN

New Delhi, Apr 25: The Delhi HC on Friday pulled up the Centre for not being serious about bringing gender equality in the armed forces and sought its explanation for not granting permanent commission to serving woman officers in defence forces.

"On one hand, the government talks about women empowerment and reservation and on the other hand it expresses reservation in giving equal opportunity in the armed forces. The government's response does not gel with its policy," HC said while asking the additional solicitor general to appear in the case to respond on the issue.

"We do consider it a matter of importance and find that the government has prima facie failed to do anything despite the court's order. We would like the assistance of ASG in the case," the court said adding, "the matter has to be put on a different level so that it is taken seriously."

The court made remarks on a bunch of petitions filed by women officers of defence forces who, unlike their male counterparts, were not granted permanent commission and forced to retire after 10 years of service despite being fit for the job. The HC had earlier asked government to treat women officers on a par with their male counterparts.

Following the direction, the Centre has taken a decision to grant permanent commission to those women officers who would be recruited in future in Judge Advocate General and education departments only, but refused to extend benefit to serving women officers.