Supreme Court Scrutinizes Rules Barring Pregnant IPS Probationers from Training
GS2GS1
The Supreme Court has questioned the Centre on the constitutional validity of rules that disqualify pregnant IPS probationers from training, citing potential violations of equality and dignity.
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Union government regarding the legality of service rules that effectively bar pregnant women from undergoing training as Indian Police Service (IPS) probationers. The petition challenges the existing framework, which mandates that a candidate must be medically fit to undergo the rigorous physical training required for the police service, often leading to the deferment or termination of the candidature of pregnant women.
The Court’s intervention highlights a critical tension between administrative requirements and fundamental rights. The bench questioned the rationale behind such a restrictive policy, noting that if a candidate is otherwise medically fit and capable of fulfilling the requirements of the service, excluding them solely on the grounds of pregnancy may violate Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty, which includes the right to dignity and reproductive autonomy).
Continue reading — free with login
JeetoBharat publishes daily UPSC current affairs mapped to the Mains syllabus. Log in to read full articles.
Log in to read full articleNo credit card required. Free registered users get unlimited access.
This article was curated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical facts from official sources.