Institute of Legal and Management Studies

The Supreme Court yesterday clarified its interim order staying release of in-service women officers of the Indian Army, saying that it would cover all such officers whose cases are pending before the Supreme Court, High Courts or the Armed Forces Tribunals.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh passed the order pursuant to the mentioning of an application by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati (for Union).

The order stated thus:

"The order dated 09.05.2025 is clarified to the effect that:

(i) The interim protection shall apply to all those officers whose matters are pending in the Supreme Court.

(ii) Such protection shall also cover those officers whose cases are sub judice before the Armed Forces Tribunal or the High Courts."

The Court further clarified that the transit arrangement shall continue till the next date without prejudice to rights of the parties. The main case will be heard on August 6 and no adjournment shall be granted, it said.

To recap, on May 9, the top Court stayed the release of Women Officers of the Indian Army, who are currently in service, till the next date of hearing. "Without creating any equity in their favor, it is directed that all officers-in-service be not relieved till the next date", the Court said.

Justice Kant, in particular, lauded the efforts of the Indian Army, while underlining that the prevailing situation (reference to India-Pak tensions following the Pahalgam Terror Attack) called for each citizen to stand by the Army and uplift its morale. The judge further indicated that the cases will be heard and decided on merits, but in the meantime, the Army may utilize the officers' services.

Case Title: LT. COL. POOJA PAL AND ORS. Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., C.A. No. 9747-9757/2024 (and connected cases)

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