SC seeks Centre’s response on denial of admission for women to NDA

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre and the National Defence Academy (NDA) to reply on a petition challenging denial of admission to women in the premier training institute.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde issued notices to the Centre, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and others seeking their responses on the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by one lawyer Kush Kalra.

The plea contended that the categorical exclusion of eligible female candidates from entering the National Defence Academy is not constitutionally justifiable and is simply done on the basis of their sex.

“Denying equal opportunity under the law by not allowing eligible and willing female candidates to appear in the examination should not be used to perpetuate and continue the legal, social and economic inferiority of women,” the plea said.

It has also referred to the last year’s landmark verdict in which the apex court had directed that women officers in the Army be granted permanent commission and command postings. (UNI)