Bombay HC Condemns Varying Height Criteria for Women in Fire Brigade Recruitment

The Bombay High Court has deemed the varying height criteria for women candidates applying for the position of fire brigade personnel in different municipal corporations in Maharashtra as discriminatory and arbitrary.

A division bench comprising of Justices G S Kulkarni and Jitendra Jain asserted that there should not be differing standards for the same job, and women candidates should not be subjected to such arbitrary rules.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by four women who had sought positions as fire extinguishers/firemen in the Pune Municipal Corporation’s fire brigade. Their counsel, A S Rao, pointed out that the petitioners were informed that they did not meet the requirement of a minimum height of 162 centimeters, as mandated by the Pune Municipal Corporation. In contrast, the Maharashtra Fire Brigade Service Administration set the minimum height for women candidates at 157 centimeters. Advocate Rao further stated that several other municipal corporations in Maharashtra adhered to the 157 centimeters norm.

The court, in its order, described this situation as a clear case of “apparent discrimination.” It stressed that different corporations should not establish distinct standards, and women candidates should not endure discrimination due to arbitrary policies or norms sanctioned by the State Government.

The bench, by way of an interim order, directed the Pune Municipal Corporation to allow the petitioner women to participate in the selection process. However, their selection would be contingent upon the final decision of the court in the case.

The court directed the state government and the Pune civic body to submit their reply affidavits and scheduled the case for further hearing on November 9, 2023.