Women Officers Cannot Be Denied Permanent Commission on Biased Evaluation Metrics: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court held that women officers cannot be denied permanent commission on the basis of biased or flawed evaluation metrics.

It found that assessment systems, including Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs), were influenced by the assumption that women would not have long-term careers in the armed forces, which adversely affected their merit.

The Court observed that women were denied equal opportunities, such as key assignments and career-enhancing courses, placing them at a disadvantage compared to male officers.

Holding such practices discriminatory, the Court directed corrective measures and granted relief, including pensionary benefits, to affected officers.

[Lt. Col. Pooja Pal & Ors. v. UOI & Ors.]