Delhi HC Issues Notice To Centre, UPSC In Plea Moved By Aspiring Pilot

Delhi's District Courts

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday has called on top Indian Air Force officials to review why qualified women, deemed fit for flying duties, are not being commissioned despite available vacancies.

This follows a plea from Archana, a woman aspiring to be a pilot, who argues that gender discrimination is barring her from a position for which she is otherwise qualified.

The court has issued notices to the Central Government, Union Public Service Commission, Ministry of Defence, National Defence Academy, and Directorate of Personnel (Air Headquarters) in response to Archana’s petition. The case will be heard further on September 12.

Archana’s petition challenges the denial of her application for the “Air Force (i) Flying” post, despite there being over 20 vacancies. She argues that her rejection is based solely on her gender, which she claims is unconstitutional and violates her fundamental rights.

The court observed that the intent of pre-institution mediation is not to delay trials but to potentially resolve disputes before they escalate. It emphasized that the mediation process is mandatory for all commercial disputes, including counterclaims, unless urgent relief is required.

The petitioner, having applied for the post following the May 17, 2023 advertisement, had passed all required tests and was declared “fit to fly.” However, she alleges that despite available vacancies and being qualified, her application was rejected because she is female.

Archana’s case highlights concerns about gender-based discrimination in recruitment processes and seeks a review of policies that limit the inclusion of qualified women in roles where vacancies remain unfilled.