Supreme Court: In a case involving a Woman Short Service Commissioned Officer who highlighted that she had been relieved from her posting despite not being formally dismissed, a Division Bench comprising of Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh, JJ. stayed the release of all women officers of the Indian Army currently in service until the next date of hearing. The Court clarified that this interim relief would not create any equity in favour of the officers. It further directed that no officer-in-service should be relieved from duty until further orders were passed.
In response to submissions made during the hearing, the Court remarked that the cases concerning the women officers would be adjudicated on their merits, but until then, the Army could continue to utilize the services of the officers.
Addressing the concern raised by the Additional Solicitor General regarding the Army’s steep pyramidical structure and the need for younger officers, Justice Kant emphasised the importance of balancing youth and experience.
Hence, the Court stayed the relieving of Indian Army women officers who were currently in service, directing that they should not be discharged from duty until the next date of hearing.
Source: Press
