In a serious case, the Supreme Court has put a hold on the release of female cops serving under “Operation Sindoor” until the next hearing date. The Court observed that in the current national security situation, it was necessary to retain and maintain the morale of qualified, experienced officers.
The Supreme Court’s Temporary Assistance for Female Officers
• The division bench, consisting of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, issued an interim order after hearing arguments in a case named Lt. Col. Pooja Pal and Ors. vs. Union of India and Ors. (C.A. No. 9747-9757/2024 and related cases). The order states:
• “Without creating any equity in their favor, it is directed that all officers-in-service be not relieved till the next date.”
• For hundreds of Women Short Service Commission (SSC) Officers who were scheduled to be discharged from service, this interim directive is a welcome relief.
Justice Kant Encourages High Morale and Supports the Army
• Given the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror assault, Justice Surya Kant underlined the need of supporting the Indian Army during trying times. The nation must support its troops and refrain from dragging officers who are deeply involved in legal disputes into court cases.
• “There is a better place for these individuals to perform right now, so we shouldn’t have them scurrying about the Supreme Court and courtrooms. He addressed Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, who was representing the Union Government, and stated, “As of right now, we would like their morale to be kept high and high like anything.”
• The court acknowledged the officer and praised them for their commitment and selflessness under trying conditions.
Emphasis on the Case of Lt. Col. Geeta Sharma
• The particular example of Lt. Col. Geeta Sharma, a female SSC officer, was also highlighted by the procedure. On her behalf, Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy told the court that the officer was removed of her duties but not fired. She prayed that Sharma could be allowed to serve.
• Guruswamy continued by highlighting how women officers had previously been able to serve because to judicial intervention. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who recently addressed a press briefing on “Operation Sindoor,” was one example she cited. According to her, Col. Qureshi’s
The Government’s Position on the Service Tenure of Lt. Col. Sharma
• Lt. Col. Sharma has served with distinction since 2011, according to ASG Aishwarya Bhati, who praised her services. Lt. Col. Sharma was really given consideration for PC in 2020, but the Selection Board did not find him suitable, the ASG added. She was subsequently granted a four-year extension, which ends in 2024. Sharma transferred to the Armed Forces Tribunal after this, however he was later relieved of his duties.
• Ms. Bhati also brought up the fact that, according to Army regulations, benefits for terminal leave are only granted following a formal retirement from duty after 14 years.
The court says that the military needs mentorship and experience.
• Justice Kant emphasized the importance of keeping seasoned personnel in the armed forces in response to the ASG’s argument that the Army’s steep pyramidal structure experiences a continual turnover of young officers. The judge emphasized how important it is to keep a balance between junior and senior officials.
The Supreme Court’s Final Ruling and Future Prospects
• At the conclusion of the hearing, the Court stayed the release of all in-service female officers who were under the purview of the drawn-out dispute, allowing their services to continue to be paid until the case was fully heard and resolved.
• The judiciary’s recognition of women’s evolving responsibilities in the military and the value of keeping qualified officers on staff during times of national need is reflected in this temporary respite.
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy and Advocate-on-Record Amrita Panda provided legal representation for the petitioners. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati represented the Union of India.
Anticipating
The Court has said unequivocally that legal merit will be the basis for the ultimate decision. The Court’s sensitivity to gender fairness, the national interest, and the pressing necessity to assist the Armed Forces during crucial operations like “Operation Sindoor” as demonstrated by the current stay, however.
With a vast collection of material on a variety of legal topics compiled by the top experts in the field, Sharks of Law provides a comprehensive legal solutions facility. You can look for a lawyer who can satisfy your legal needs for an online consultation with this law business. If you have any questions that call for legal advice, the lawyers at Sharks of Law have the requisite experience in all the relevant sectors.
Email:-helpdesk@sharksoflaw.com
Help Desk:-+91-88770-01993
https://www.sharksoflaw.com/blog-detail/supreme-court-halts-release-of-in-service-indian-women-army-officers-under-operation-sindoor