Fri May 23 06:33:27 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Supreme Court Halts Dismissal of Female Air Force Officer, Questions Permanent Commission Policies**

New Delhi, May 23, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India has intervened to prevent the release from service of Wing Commander Nikita Pandey, a woman officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) who participated in Operation Balakot and Operation Sindoor. The Court has directed the Centre and the IAF to hold her dismissal while considering her plea against the denial of permanent commission.

A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh expressed concerns about the “uncertainty” faced by Short Service Commission (SSC) officers after years of service and sought clarification from the government on the rationale behind denying Wing Commander Pandey a permanent position.

Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, representing Wing Commander Pandey, highlighted her client’s expertise as a fighter controller and her integral role in critical operations. Despite ranking second in merit among expert air fighter controllers, she was slated to conclude her service due to a 2019 policy.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre and the IAF, stated that while she understands the situation from the perspective of someone from a family connected with the armed forces, the officer was deemed unfit by the selection board. She also informed the court that a second selection board would be considering her case. She also explained that a steep pyramidal structure was followed by IAF which requires that certain officers go out of the service after serving 14 years and new officers come in their place.

Justice Kant questioned the IAF’s capacity to accommodate SSC officers into permanent commission, highlighting the commendable performance of women officers. He suggested the forces have the policy of taking that many SCC officers, who can be accommodated in the Permanent Commission, if they are found suitable.

The case is scheduled for further hearing on August 6th. The Supreme Court clarified that its decision does not guarantee any entitlement to permanent commission but holds the dismissal to be reconsidered by the second selection board.

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