The Supreme Court has stressed the need for policy action for economic empowerment of women, which would help them face any situation and better enjoy the constitutional right to equality.

A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Abhay Manohar Sapre said women, still facing various kinds of disabilities and discrimination, have a long way to go to achieve their real empowerment, which could be ensured only through economic empowerment. The court passed its observation while allowing a plea for Richa Mishra for relaxation of age in appointment of Deputy Superintendent of Police in the examinations conducted by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission.

Explaining the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Special Provision for appointment of women) Rules, 1997 and other rules, the court said she was entitled for age relaxation and eligible to be considered for the post of DySP. Mishra participated in the selection process and was placed at serial no 54 of the merit of 2006. Those below her in the merit list were appointed to the post but she was excluded only because of the age bar of 25 years.

Quoting Nobel laureate Prof Amartya Sen, who propounded the concept of a bidirectional relationship between economic development and women’s empowerment, the court said: “development alone can bring about equality between men and women as continuing discrimination against women can hinder development”.