'Keep Their Morale High': SC Stays Release of Women Army Officers

Emphasising the need to keep the morale of women army officers high during these times, the Supreme Court of India on Friday, 9 May 2025, directed the Centre not to release any Short Service Commission (SSC) officer who has moved the Court against the denial of Permanent Commission (PC).

A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh also appreciated the efforts of the defence forces during these testing times, while referring to the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

Court made these observations while hearing a batch of petitions filed by women SSC officers who are being denied Permanent Commission.

Representing one such officer, Lt. Col. Geeta Sharma, Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy submitted that the officer had already been relieved from service.

While referring to the Supreme Court’s 2020 judgment in Babita Puniya, Guruswamy cited the example of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had led the press briefing on India’s Operation Sindoor.

She pointed out that it was only because of the top court’s ruling that Col. Qureshi was granted equal opportunity, as the judgment had allowed women army officers to be considered for Permanent Commission.

However, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, submitted that the Indian Army follows a pyramidal structure and can offer Permanent Commission to only a limited number of officers each year.

She further argued that Sharma had been released from service after she was found unfit in her board review. She added that the Army requires young officers.

To this, Justice Kant remarked that the Army needs a blend of both—youth and experience—noting that “even young blood needs guidance and training,” and hence, a blend of both is essential.

The matter will now be heard on 6 August 2025.

Case Title: Lt. Col. Pooja Pal & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors.

(With inputs from India today)