HC directs IAF to appoint woman in unfilled vacancies , Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Delhi High Court directed the Centre to appoint a woman candidate to the Air Force Flying Branch.
• The directive addresses unfilled vacancies under the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy Examination, 2023.
• UPSC advertised 92 vacancies for the Air Force Flying Branch in its May 17, 2023 notification, including two for women.
• The court noted that 20 vacancies remained unfilled despite eligible women candidates being available.

Detailed Insights:

• The court clarified that the 90 vacancies not specifically earmarked for women were open to both male and female candidates.
• A woman candidate, ranked seventh on the women’s merit list, was denied appointment despite clearing all selection stages and possessing a “fit to fly” certificate.
• The petitioner's advocate argued that only 70 of the 90 vacancies were filled by male candidates, leaving 20 positions that could be filled by eligible women.
• The Centre argued that shortfalls in one recruitment mode are compensated through other modes, but the court found this contradictory to the government's stated aim for gender balance.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Defence Academy (NDA): A joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets of the three services train together before commissioning.
• UPSC (Union Public Service Commission): India's premier central recruiting agency responsible for appointments to various civil services and conducting examinations.
• Air Force Flying Branch: The branch of the Indian Air Force responsible for piloting aircraft.