Delhi HC Criticizes Armed Forces’ Six-Week Postpartum Medical Fitness Policy For Female Candidates

The Delhi High Court has deemed the policy of requiring medical examination of pregnant women candidates in the armed forces six weeks after delivery as unfair. Justices Rekha Palli and Shalinder Kaur ruled that six weeks is insufficient for a female candidate to regain full medical fitness and lose weight. The court has directed the authorities to review and possibly amend the guidelines in consultation with medical experts.

Court Orders Review and Independent Examination

The court’s decision came in response to a petition from a female candidate whose medical examination was halted because she was in the late stages of pregnancy. The woman had applied for the position of Constable (Washer Man)-Female under the OBC quota in the SSB. The bench instructed the authorities to reconsider the policy and provide a more reasonable time frame for candidates to achieve fitness.

The court also directed that the case be reviewed by the Additional Director General (Medical) of the Central Armed Police Force (SSB). Additionally, the bench suggested that the SSB amend job titles that were previously male-only but are now open to women. It encouraged the SSB to address this matter proactively.

In its ruling, the court accepted the woman’s plea and ordered that she be examined by an independent medical board. If the board clears her for duty, she will be appointed but will receive her salary only from the date of her appointment. The SSB had previously stated that candidates are given six weeks postpartum to meet medical fitness requirements, including weight, before appointment decisions are made.

Also Read: India Becoming A Major Stakeholder In Global Supply Chain: PM Modi