Shreya Gupta
On 9th May 2025, the Supreme Court of India made an oral observation expressing deep respect for the Indian Army. This remark came in light of the Army’s ongoing efforts in Operation Sindoor. The operation was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that took place last month.
The case being heard was Lt. Col. Pooja Pal and Others v. Union of India and Others, with specific attention to a petition filed by Lieutenant Colonel Geeta Sharma. Lt. Col. Sharma approached the Apex Court after being relieved from service, although she had not been formally dismissed. The Division Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh stayed her removal from service until the next hearing date. In a significant direction, the Court also ordered the Central Government not to release any women Short Service Commission (SSC) officers until their petitions are addressed in the next hearing.
Justice Surya Kant acknowledged the exemplary contributions of women in the Army, stating that there was no shortage of capable women officers and affirming that “All of us feel very little before them.” Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, representing Sharma, pointed out that her client had been removed from her current posting in an arbitrary manner.
She mentioned Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had recently led a press briefing on Operation Sindoor. Guruswamy credited the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in the Babita Puniya case for enabling Qureshi to continue her service. She stressed that Qureshi’s leadership role was made possible only because the Court had previously upheld the rights of women officers to be granted permanent commission.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati also praised the armed forces during the proceedings. She highlighted their constant vigilance. She stated, “The nation sleeps while the defence forces remain awake all night.”
The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on August 6.
Case Title: Lt. Col. Pooja Pal and Others v. Union of India and Others
Bench: Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh
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