Supreme Court Stays Release of IAF Woman Officer Involved in Operations Sindoor and Balakot

Supreme Court Stays Release of IAF Woman Officer Involved in Operations Sindoor and Balakot

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Indian Air Force (IAF) not to release Wing Commander Nikita Pandey, a woman officer who served in both Operation Sindoor and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, after she was denied a permanent commission. The order was issued by a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, who stayed her release from service until further notice while her petition is under consideration.

Wing Commander Nikita Pandey joined the IAF through the Short Service Commission (SSC) in 2011 and has served for over 13.5 years. She was recognized as an expert fighter controller and played a critical role in the Integrated Air Command and Control Systems (IACCS) during both high-profile operations.

Pandey alleged discrimination in being denied permanent commission, arguing that despite her ranking second nationally among expert fighter controllers and her distinguished service, she was being discharged due to a 2019 policy change.

The Supreme Court expressed concern over the uncertainty faced by SSC officers regarding their career prospects and called for a policy review to address this issue.

The IAF and government representatives stated that the officer was found unfit by the selection board, but a second review board would consider her case. They also cited the “steep pyramidal structure” of the armed forces, which requires periodic exits to maintain a young force.

Justice Surya Kant praised the professionalism and contributions of women officers like Pandey, highlighting their role as a national asset. The bench emphasized that the uncertainty faced by SSC officers after a decade or more of service is not ideal for the armed forces and suggested that all SSC officers who meet the necessary criteria should be eligible for permanent commission.

The Supreme Court has stayed Wing Commander Pandey’s release from the IAF until further orders and scheduled the next hearing for August 6, 2025.

The court clarified that this interim relief does not create any legal rights or equities in her favor at this stage; all issues remain open for further consideration.

The case highlights ongoing debates about gender equity, career stability for SSC officers, and the evolving policies regarding permanent commission in the Indian armed forces.