PIONEERING CHANGE: LANDMARK COURT DECISIONS THAT REDEFINED EQUALITY FOR WOMEN IN UNIFORMED FORCES

New Delhi, 25th November 2024: Few arenas in the annals of legal history have witnessed as profound a transformation as the realm of gender equality within the armed forces.

In Her Defence: Ten Landmark Judgments on Women in the Armed Forces is an anthology of essays and commentaries, in layperson terms, contributed by jurists, judges and academics on landmark constitutional court decisions of India that made a difference or brought about a positive change for women in the uniformed forces.

It is envisaged as not just a book, but a testament to the resilience, determination and legal triumphs of women who have paved the way for greater gender inclusivity and parity within India’s armed forces.

In Her Defence: Ten Landmark Judgments on Women in the Armed Forces goes beyond legal jargon, presenting these pivotal decisions as testaments to the resilience, courage, and determination of the women who fought for equal rights in an arena traditionally dominated by men. It serves as both a historical record and a powerful reminder of the judiciary’s crucial role in upholding the principles of justice and equality.

In Her Defence: Ten Landmark Judgments on Women in the Armed Forces is intended for a broad general audience, including legal practitioners, judges, and academics interested in constitutional law, gender studies, or military justice. It is also valuable for policymakers, military personnel, and students exploring the intersection of law, gender equality, and defence services. The accessible language ensures it appeals to those unfamiliar with legal jargon, making it a resource for educators and activists promoting gender inclusivity. It is for anyone interested in the armed forces, law, human rights, public policy, polity and gender rights.

Meticulously curated to illuminate the pivotal judgments that have shaped the trajectory of women’s participation in the armed forces of India, this book stands as a cornerstone and embodiment of the judiciary’s unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of equality and justice.
It is currently available on pre-order and will hit the bookstores across the country by mid-December.

Navdeep Singh is a practising lawyer at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh. He is also the founder president of the Armed Forces Tribunal Bar Association in Chandigarh. Navdeep has been a volunteer–reservist with the Territorial Army in the rank of major in the past. He has been decorated with a record eleven commendations from the army, air force and tri-service institutions for his work for the military community and veterans and other issues confronting the defence services.

Shivani Dasmahapatra is a public policy and communications specialist. Her professional experience of three decades is diverse and ranges from consulting members of Parliament, corporate enterprises, and non-profit organizations to journalism, photography, editing and social media management. Born into a family with three generations in the Indian Army, she has a deep interest in Indian military history. Currently, as founder trustee of Lest We Forget India Foundation, she provides crucial support to the families of Indian Armed Forces personnel.