New Delhi: In its big verdict on Tuesday, the Supreme Court of India allowed the permanent commission to serving women officers in the Indian Navy in all eligible branches, maintaining the notion that men and women officers should be treated equally. The apex court said that women can sail with the same efficiency as male officers and there should be no discrimination citing physiological conditions, etc. The court directed the Centre to comply with its order within three months.

The order will enable women officers for eligible permanent commission in ATC & Logistics too, apart from Education.

The court observed that performance at work and dedication are the only answer to stereotypes within the Navy. The bench said injustice cannot be meted out to women officers in the Navy and upheld the Delhi High Court judgment.

A bench headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said gender discrimination cannot be permitted with woman officers in the Navy after the statutory bar was lifted by Centre to allow their entry in the force through policy decisions in 1991 and 1998.

In the mirror image of his judgment granting permanent commission to women officers in non-combat posts, Justice Chandrachud said equality has to be the hallmark of armed forces and women can't be deprived of permanent commission in Navy.

(with inputs from agencies)