The Delhi High Court has taken a bold step toward gender equality in the military, demanding answers from the Centre on why women are barred from key armed forces academies through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam. On August 6, 2025, a bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya issued a notice to the government, seeking a response to a petition filed by advocate Kush Kalra. The plea argues that excluding women from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) violates their constitutional right to equal opportunity.
Highlights of Women in Armed Forces Plea
The petition highlights the inspiring legacy of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who led India’s contingent in a multinational military exercise and served in UN peacekeeping missions. “Denying women entry through CDS robs the nation of such exceptional leaders,” Kalra stated, emphasizing the emotional weight of lost opportunities for aspiring women in armed forces.
Current Recruiting Scenario
Currently, women can only apply for the Short Service Commission at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) through CDS, limiting their career paths compared to men who access permanent commissions via IMA, INA, and AFA. The court’s notice follows a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that opened the National Defence Academy (NDA) to women, yet the CDS restriction persists, frustrating advocates of fairness.
With the next hearing set for November 2025, the nation awaits a decision that could reshape the future for women in armed forces, breaking barriers and honoring their right to serve equally.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 7th, 2025
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