The Supreme Court of India has stayed the release of in-service women officers of the Indian Army until the next hearing. The order was passed by a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh.
The court, while hearing the matter, stated, "Without creating any equity in their favor, it is directed that all officers-in-service be not relieved till the next date."
Justice Surya Kant praised the dedication of the Indian Army and emphasized the importance of maintaining the morale of its officers, especially during tense times like the recent India-Pakistan situation following the Pahalgam Terror Attack.
He remarked, "This is not the time we keep these people running around in the Supreme Court and courtrooms... their morale should be kept high and high like anything."
The hearing particularly addressed the case of Lt. Col. Geeta Sharma, a Woman Short Service Commission Officer. Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, representing her, highlighted that she had been relieved from her post but had not been dismissed. Guruswamy argued that Lt. Col. Sharma should be allowed to continue in service.
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Supporting her argument, Guruswamy mentioned Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's example, who had previously led India's 'Operation Sindoor' and could continue serving due to the Supreme Court's decision in the Babita Puniya case, which allowed Permanent Commission for women officers.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the government, acknowledged the sacrifices of the Defence forces, stating, "The nation is sleeping while the Defence forces are awake all night."
However, she clarified that Lt. Col. Sharma, who served the Army from 2011, was not found fit for Permanent Commission in 2020. After completing four years of extended service, she moved the Armed Forces Tribunal in 2024 but was released after her term ended.
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Justice Kant emphasized that while the final decision would be taken on merits, the services of the women officers should be utilized until then. He highlighted the need for a mix of experienced and young officers in the Army, stating, "You need a blend of both. Experienced officers also... young blood needs to be trained, guided."
The Supreme Court has directed that the in-service women officers of the Indian Army should not be relieved until the next date of hearing, ensuring they continue their services.
Story to be updated.
Appearance: Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy; AoR Amrita Panda; ASG Aishwarya Bhati
Case Title: LT. COL. POOJA PAL AND ORS. Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., C.A. No. 9747-9757/2024 (and connected cases)
