People's Democracy

On June 18, Brinda Karat, MP and Polit Bureau member of the CPI(M), sent the following letter to the defence minister A K Antony, regarding implementation of a Delhi High Court order.

THIS is in continuation of my letters dated March 18, 2010 and May 14, 2010 regarding the implementation of Delhi High Court order which gives relief to the short term commissioned officers in defence services. I appreciate your intervention which has persuaded at least the Air Force to implement the High Court order, benefiting 22 women officers. It is, however, extremely unfortunate that the army has still not implemented the High Court order. This shows a bias and prejudice against women which cannot be tolerated in any democratic society. One cannot have such double standard in the defence services, with one force accepting the High Court order and the other violating it. This hardly brings any credit to the army.

In these circumstances, it requires the will of the executive and you, as the defence minister, to ensure that the army sheds its retrograde outlook towards women officers and implements without delay the High Court order. Since the persuasion has failed I hope you will direct the army to take necessary action.