It is an honour to pen a foreword for In Her Defence, a collection that resonates deeply with both my life's journey and the broader strides made towards equality and justice for women. Having walked the path as the first woman to join the Indian Army, I understand the weight of each such stride and the countless, often invisible, steps that women across generations have taken to carve spaces for themselves within spheres traditionally closed to them.
Empowerment has never been handed to us; it has been attained through sheer resilience and an unyielding belief in justice and equality. Every hard-won right today is built on a foundation of courage, strength and, crucially, the rulings of forward-thinking judges who have reinforced the law with humanity. This book is more than a collection of essays on judgments-it is a tribute to the progress women have made and a road map for the work still ahead. Every ruling captured here stands as a symbol of how justice can both protect and transform lives, redefining what it means to be equal.
In Her Defence takes readers through the pivotal cases that shaped women's rights in India. These aren't just judicial decisions; they are stories of people women who fought, judges who patiently heard and decided, and the society taking steps forward, however incremental. It is the courage within these cases that has fuelled change, even against the most ingrained norms. These rulings remind us that true justice is built on the values of dignity, respect and equity, upheld by our constitutional courts that understand the stakes at hand.
This book is a testament to the power of justice over prejudice. As you read, I hope you feel as I do proud, inspired and determined. Let these landmark decisions fuel your own resolve, whether as a reader, an advocate, or simply as someone who believes in equality.
To my colleagues in the defence forces, this book serves as both an anchor and a call to action. Let us lead with integrity, dedication and courage, serving not with any special privileges, but with distinction and purpose.
We have a calling to rise on our merit, to prove, through action and excellence, that we deserve every right and responsibility we carry.
Together, let's keep moving forward with strength and pride. This journey is far from over, but each step brings us closer to a future where justice and equality are not goals but realities.
both protect and transform lives, redefining what it means to be equal.
the Indian Military Nursing Service was formed by the British, to more than a century later, women in the armed forces have faced many challenges. Discriminatory policies and practices have long hindered their progress, denying them opportunities for advancement and relegating them to subordinate roles. Instances of direct and indirect inequity have been ever-present.
Despite these challenges, women have made significant strides in recent decades. In 1992, the Indian Army began inducting women officers in non-medical roles for Short Service Commission. Around the same time, the Indian Air Force and Navy also opened their doors to women in various capacities. This was followed by the permanent commissioning of women officers in select branches such as the Judge Advocate General's department and Army Education Corps in the late 2000s and various other arms/services subsequently. The ongoing process of integrating women into combat roles also marks a significant step forward in acknowledging their capabilities and contributions to national security.
The legal landscape surrounding women in the armed forces has been dynamic. Few arenas within the annals of legal history have witnessed as profound a transformation as the realm of gender equality within the armed forces.
This terrain is marked by landmark judgments that have reshaped the landscape of gender inclusivity and representation. It is within this context that we present this comprehensive collection of essays, meticulously curated to illuminate the pivotal judgments that have shaped the.
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