Supreme Court strikes down Army’s gender quota in JAG hiring
Why in the news
The Supreme Court on 14 August 2025 struck down the Indian Army’s practice of limiting women officers in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch. The Court said the policy goes against equality principles.
Key facts
- The Army had set aside 6 of 9 JAG vacancies for men, effectively capping women at 50%.
- The Court directed a single merit-based selection list.
- Women cannot be limited in number once they meet eligibility conditions.
- The ruling relied on Article 14, along with Articles 15 and 16.
| Year | Women in defence forces |
|---|---|
| 2014 | About 3,000 |
| 2025 | Over 11,000 |
About the background
The decision referred to earlier rulings: the 2020 Babita Puniya case on permanent commissions and the 2021 Kush Kalra case on entry to the National Defence Academy. The first 17 women cadets entered the NDA in 2022.
Exam angle
- Equality provisions: Articles 14, 15 and 16.
- Case links: Babita Puniya (permanent commission) and Kush Kalra (NDA).
- Single merit list means no gender-based reservation of posts.