'You talk about women power, now show it here', Supreme Court rebuked the Centre.

The Supreme Court on Monday criticized the Central government for refusing to consider a permanent commission for women officers in the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). Questioning the patriarchal stance of the government, the court asked why women officers in the Coast Guard cannot be given permanent commission. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Vikramjit Banerjee, appearing for the Centre, in a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra argued that the Coast Guard operates in a different domain than the Army and Navy. The court expressed displeasure on this.

The court taunted that if you talk about women's power then demonstrate it here. When the Army and Navy have done everything then how can the Coast Guard be any different? If women can protect the borders, they can also protect the coasts.

The Supreme Court bench said that the petitioner is the only SSC woman officer who is opting for permanent commission, yet why was her case not considered. “Now, the Coast Guard must come up with a policy,” the top court said.

The bench further asked whether there is a provision for a permanent commission for women in the Coast Guard? When it was pointed out that women officers could be given a 10 per cent permanent commission, the bench asked, 'Why 10 per cent, are women lesser human beings?' After a full hearing, the Supreme Court asked the Center to bring a gender-neutral policy on the issue.