Chest measurement criterion undermines dignity of women: Raj HC

The Rajasthan High Court has criticised the use of “Chest Measurement Criterion” for evaluating the lung capacity of female candidates during physical examinations for recruitment, considering it to be outrageous and inappropriate for any position.
The court denounced this practice as arbitrary and offensive, undermining the dignity of women. It directed state authorities to consult experts and explore alternative methods to assess lung capacity in order to prevent the humiliation of female candidates.
Justice Dinesh Mehta of Rajasthan High Court ruled this while hearing a petition filed by three female candidates disqualified based on chest measurements despite passing the Physical Efficiency Test for the Forest Guard role. Although the court refrained from interfering in the completed recruitment process but called for a thoughtful examination of the necessity of chest measurement for various positions.
The judge emphasised that such criteria violate women’s privacy and dignity, and the August 10 order stated that such requirements disrupt a woman’s autonomy and mental integrity.
Additionally, the court noted that these criteria not only lack rationality but also infringe on women’s constitutionally protected rights to privacy under Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution.
After petitioners’ measurements exceeded prescribed standards, the court requested a report from AIIMS medical board. However, the report revealed two candidates with chest measurements below “normal conditions” requirements and one with insufficient measurements in the “expanded condition.” Consequently, the court upheld their disqualification, yet firmly opposed the use of chest measurements for female candidates.
The court forwarded the order to key state authorities, urging a comprehensive review of this practice. Court instructed state authorities to consult experts to identify alternative ways to assess lung capacity.