Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 10: In a strong message amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, the Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre not to discharge Short Service Commission (SSC) women Army officers currently challenging the denial of permanent commission, emphasizing that their morale should not be undermined during such a crucial time.

“In the prevailing situation, let’s not bring their morale down. They are brilliant officers. You can use their services somewhere else. This is not the time that they (should) be asked to roam around in the Supreme Court. They have a better place to be and serve the country,” remarked a Bench led by Justice Surya Kant, addressing Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati.

The court directed that none of the petitioning officers be released from service until the next hearing, scheduled for August. Justice N Kotiswar Singh, also part of the Bench, agreed with the interim protection for the 69 women officers involved in the case.

The ASG, representing the government, defended the Army’s position by stating that the denial of permanent commission was part of a broader policy aimed at maintaining a youthful force, where only about 250 officers are granted permanent commission each year.

Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for Colonel Geeta Sharma, cited the case of Colonel Sofia Qureshi—one of the officers who recently addressed the media regarding Operation Sindoor—as an example of the calibre and dedication of these women officers. Colonel Qureshi had to fight for her permanent commission in court and has since gone on to represent the Army with distinction.

While acknowledging the merit of the officers, the court clarified that its consideration was strictly legal and not based on individual accomplishments.

The case has reignited the debate over gender parity in the armed forces, especially as the country navigates heightened military vigilance.