Supreme Court comes to the aid of woman IAF officer who participated in Operation Sindoor

The Supreme Court on Thursday came to the aid of a woman officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) who had participated in the recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistan but was denied permanent commission [Wing Commander Sucheta Edn v. Union of India]..A Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh ordered that the woman should not be relieved from service until further orders. During the hearing, the Bench also lauded India's defence forces for their service to the nation.The Court observed that the defense personnel are a significant asset to the country and their dedication allows citizens to sleep peacefully at nightIt also added that the IAF ranks among the best and that the defence forces "are the nation in a way". "Our Air Force is one of the best, no doubt about it and these officers are commendable...the quality of coordination which they (Indian defense forces) have exhibited is unparalleled. Therefore, we always salute them. They are definitely big asset for the nation, in fact, they are the nation in a way. Because of them we are able to (peacefully) sleep in the night," Justice Kant remarked..The Court was hearing a plea filed by a woman Wing Commander who participated in Operation Sindoor and Operation Balakot. The IAF officer moved the Court challenging the denial of permanent commission to her..Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for the petitioner, highlighted that the officer is affected by the 2019 policy. She has completed 13 and a half years of service and remains in excellent physical condition, the Court was toldGuruswamy further submitted that despite being second on the merit list of expert fighter controllers, the officer was being compelled to end her service within a month..After hearing the petitioner’s counsel, Justice Kant asked government lawyer, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, about the grounds for denying permanent commission to the petitioner.ASG Bhatia responded that a board has declared her unfit, and although she is due to be reviewed by another board, no formal proceedings have been initiated by her. Instead, she has directly approached the Court, it was submitted."These are all brilliant officers. But the point is there is a comparative merit. We have a system by which we have to have certain officers going out after serving 14 years...it is the requirement of force to remain young," Bhati said..The Court said the defence personnel are not ordinary civil servants working in air-conditioned offices. It proceeded to direct that the Wing Commander not be relieved from service until further orders."Issue notice. Meanwhile, the applicant-wing commander be not relieved (from service). She be allowed to continue, without prejudice to the rights of the parties and without creating any equity in her favor," the Court ordered..[Read Live Coverage]