Court orders permanent commissions for three IAF women officers

New Delhi -  The Delhi High Court Tuesday directed the defence ministry grant permanent commissions to three women short service commission officers of the Indian Air Force within six weeks.

Justice Vipin Sanghi also directed the ministry to file a compliance report by May 24, while asking it to grant them permanent commission on the basis of the government's November 2010 policy.

The court's order came on a contempt petition filed by Wing Commander Rekha Singh, who is still serving, and Squadron Leaders Seema Nandan and Seema Dahiya, who are not in service.

They moved court against the government for non-compliance of the court's earlier order that directed the government to frame a policy and grant permanent commission to women officers at par with their male colleagues.

The court March 12, 2010 directed the government to treat women and men officers in the army and the air force at par while granting permanent commissions, saying “greater sensitivity was required” while dealing with gender issues.

On contempt petitions filed by the petitioners in May 2011, the government assured the court it would consider their pleas. But instead of granting permanent commissions to the officers, the government brought in a new policy in August last year, said a petitioner's counsel.