What happened?
In a historic judgment on 17 February 2020, the Supreme Court, led by Justices Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud and Ajay Rastogi, upheld the rights of women Army officers to be granted Permanent Commission (PC), breaking long-held barriers in the Indian Army. This was the result of a long legal battle dating back to petitions filed in 2003 and 2006, seeking equal treatment with male Short Service Commissioned (SSC) officers.
Why was it important?
Despite a favourable ruling from the Delhi High Court in 2010, the Centre delayed implementation. When it finally announced a policy in 2019, it allowed PCs only for women with under 14 years of service and barred them from command roles. The Supreme Court called this arbitrary and discriminatory.
What did the Court say?
The Court powerfully rejected outdated gender stereotypes that questioned women’s suitability for command due to motherhood or physical limitations. It praised the contributions of women officers, highlighting the remarkable example of Lt. Col. Sophia Qureshi—who led an Indian Army contingent in a multinational exercise and served with distinction in UN peacekeeping missions.
In the Court’s own words:
> “Women officers of the Indian Army have brought laurels to the force... Denying them permanent commission on the basis of gender is an affront to the dignity of both women and the institution.”
The decision:
All women SSC officers, regardless of years of service, must be considered for Permanent Commission.
The restriction limiting them to staff positions was struck down.
Those granted PC will be entitled to promotions, pensions, and all career-related benefits.
The impact:
This judgment was more than a legal win—it was a stand for fairness, respect, and recognition. By affirming that commitment and competence are not bound by gender, the Supreme Court gave many women in uniform the honour and opportunities they long deserved.
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