Supreme Court Directs Women Officer To Give Permanent Commission In Army

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed a woman officer to be given a permanent commission in the army. The court has taken this decision only after completing the investigation that there is no disciplinary or vigilance case pending against the said officer. A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and AS Bopanna allowed the application of Lt Col Soni Sharma. Senior advocate R.K., appearing for the officials of the Government of India and the Army. Balasubramanian said that initially Soni Sharma was temporarily placed in the lower medical category, but she has been able to maintain the 'Shape-1' status continuously ... The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed a woman officer to be given a permanent commission in the army. The court has taken this decision only after completing the investigation that there is no disciplinary or vigilance case pending against the said officer. A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and AS Bopanna allowed the application of Lt Col Soni Sharma. Senior advocate R.K., appearing for the officials of the Government of India and the Army. Balasubramanian said that initially Soni Sharma was temporarily placed in the lower medical category, but she has been able to maintain the 'Shape-1' status continuously since October 2001. Senior advocate V. Mohana, appearing for Sharma, said she was unable to temporarily retain the 'Shape-I' status for some time due to medical issues. "After due consideration, this is the view of the court and in the context of the earlier orders passed in the case of other officers also it would be appropriate to grant permanent commission to Lt Col Soni Sharma," the bench said. Last month itself, after the Supreme Court's strictness, the army had to bow down and agreed to give permanent commission to women officers eligible for short service commission. Expressing displeasure over non-compliance of the order, the Supreme Court had warned of holding the army and its chief responsible for contempt. The court had said that the army can be supreme in its field, but this constitutional court is supreme in its jurisdiction. After which the army took a soft stand and told the court that it is ready to give permanent commission to 11 women officers. Also, women officers who have not come before the court, but come under the order of the Supreme Court and are eligible, will also be given permanent commission.