JUDGMENT

K. JAGANNATHA SHETTY, J.:-Leave granted.

2. When we are moving forward to achieve the constitutional guarantee of equal rights for women the Life Insurance Corporation of India seems to be not moving beyond the status quo. The case on hand illustrates this typical attitude of the Corporation.

3. The petitioner applied for the post of Assistant in the Life Insurance Corporation of India ("the Corporation"). She was called for written test and also for interview. She was successful in both the tests. She was asked to fill a declaration form which she did and submitted to the Corporation on 25 May 1989. On the same day, she was also examined by a lady doctor and found medically fit for the job. The Doctor who examined the petitioner was in the approved panel of the Corporation.

4. The petitioner was directed to undergo a short-term training programme. After successful completion of the training she was given an appointment letter dated 25 September 1989. She was appointed as Assistant in the Corporation. She was put on probation for a period of 6 months. She was entitled to be confirmed in the service subject to satisfactory work report.

5. The petitioner took leave from 9 Decembe