Delhi High Court Probes Gender Discrimination in Military Exams
The Delhi High Court has requested responses from the Union of India regarding a PIL challenging the exclusion of women from the CDS Examination for prestigious military academies. Despite legal directives ensuring gender equality, the latest UPSC notification restricts women to the OTA Chennai, sparking concerns of discrimination.
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The Delhi High Court has called on the Union of India and other relevant parties to respond to a public interest litigation (PIL) initiated by advocate Kush Kalra. His legal action contests the barring of women candidates from entering esteemed military academies via the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination.
Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, leading the division bench, demanded explanations from the central government. The hearing is scheduled for November 2025. The petitioner criticized the recent UPSC ad for CDS-II 2025, highlighting its exclusion of women from three key service branches, despite claims of promoting gender balance.
Kalra insists this limitation contravenes not only constitutional principles but also previous Supreme Court judgments. Citing landmark rulings on women's right to Permanent Commission and command roles, the petition emphasizes the discriminatory nature of current policies, which hinder women's military career progression.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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