National Defence Academy (NDA), the country’s joint military training institution for junior leaders for the armed forces. The NDA is the country’s joint military training institution for producing junior leaders for the armed forces.
The denial of admission for women to the National Defence Academy has been challenged by a petitioner in the Supreme Court, which has asked the centre to respond to it.
The petition filed by Advocate Kush Kalra, states that women being not allowed admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA) is a violation of fundamental right of equality and right to practice a profession.
The petition said eligible women candidates with 10+2 level of education are denied an opportunity to take the NDA examination on the ground of their gender. The consequence of this is that they, lose access to any form of entry to the armed forces as officers at this level.
The petition said the number of women in the armed forces is extremely low, though over the years the defence services have opened more doors for women, especially after the Supreme Court allowed women to join Permanent Commission.
The petition accuses the NDA of denying admission solely based on gender and not giving any justifiable explanation for it. The bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde issued notice to the Centre, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and others seeking their response.
