India: Military Women

From the Telegraph:

The government has sought a review of a Delhi High Court order that asks the army to grant permanent commission to women officers.

The defence ministry today filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court after the high court issued notices to the army chief, General V.K. Singh, the defence secretary, Pradeep Kumar and the Adjutant General, Lt General Mukesh Sabharwal, on Monday.

Women are recruited into the military only on short service commission (for a maximum of 14 years). Men can qualify for permanent commission depending on their service record.

The high court asked the government to explain its position on directions given by it on March 12 on a petition by 52 women officers of the army and the air force.

In March, the high court had directed that the women should be granted permanent commission in non-combat role.