In a significant development reported on May 9, 2025, during proceedings before the Supreme Court of India, Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, representing Lt. Col. Geeta Sharma, invoked the exemplary service of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi to argue against the release of Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers who are challenging the denial of Permanent Commission (PC). Guruswamy emphasized that Col. Qureshi’s leadership in ‘Operation Sindoor’ would not have been possible without the Supreme Court’s 2020 judgment granting PC to women officers. She contended that administrative decisions should not perpetuate discrimination, especially when vacancies exist in PC positions.

The Supreme Court had previously highlighted Col. Qureshi’s distinguished career in its 2020 ruling, noting her role as the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent at the multinational ‘Exercise Force 18’ and her service in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Congo. These achievements were cited to underscore the capabilities of women officers and to challenge gender-based exclusions in the military.

The Court’s recent intervention, urging the Union Government to pause the release of SSC women officers until the matter is heard in August, reflects its concern for maintaining morale and ensuring that legal rights are upheld.

This development underscores the ongoing legal and institutional challenges faced by women officers in the Indian Armed Forces, highlighting the importance of judicial recognition and support for gender equality in military service.

Sources