https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Supreme Court Stays IAF’s Release of Wing Commander Nikita Pandey, Calls for Policy Reform on SSC Officers

The interim relief marks the first such stay granted to an IAF SSC officer, coming shortly after similar orders passed on May 9 in favour of over 50 women SSC officers from the Army awaiting consideration for permanent commission.
Indian Masterminds Stories

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the release of Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Nikita Pandey, a Short Service Commission (SSC) officer who played a pivotal role in high-profile military operations including Operation Sindoor and Balakot. The top court observed that the current uncertainty surrounding the absorption of SSC officers into permanent commissions is problematic and called for a clear, inclusive policy to address the issue.

The interim relief marks the first such stay granted to an IAF SSC officer, coming shortly after similar orders passed on May 9 in favour of over 50 women SSC officers from the Army awaiting consideration for permanent commission.

A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh expressed concern over the lack of policy assurance for SSC officers, particularly women. “A sense of uncertainty may not be good for the armed forces… inter-se merit and competition after 10 years causes a lot of heartburn,” the bench observed. The justices emphasized that every officer selected via SSC should ideally be considered for permanent commission, provided they meet the required criteria.

Wing Commander Pandey, who joined the IAF through SSC in 2011, is currently serving on an extension until June 19, 2025, marking the completion of her 10-year term. Represented by senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy and advocate Astha Sharma, Pandey argued that she has served with distinction and was specifically selected for strategic operations based on her experience and performance.

In her plea, Pandey noted that despite women being inducted into the IAF since 1992, they are still only commissioned through the SSC route, unlike their male counterparts who can be inducted via both SSC and Permanent Commission tracks. “This gender-based limitation is outdated and goes against the principles of equality laid down by this court,” her petition stated.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre and IAF, argued that the officer had already been considered by two selection boards and found unsuitable for permanent commission. She reiterated that the IAF has led the way in implementing gender parity, doing so over a decade before the Army followed suit in 2020 following a Supreme Court directive.

The bench, however, remained unconvinced by the current system’s fairness. “If you take 100 SSC officers, ensure all are given a chance to be considered for permanent commission. Even if not everyone qualifies, there should be a clear, structured opportunity,” Justice Kant stated, further emphasizing the need to nurture “young blood” while respecting the dedication and potential of existing officers.

Pandey, a trained Fighter Controller, has one final opportunity to appear before a third Board of Officers. Her legal team expressed concern that the final review could be rushed given the limited time before her service extension ends.

The court’s decision and comments point to a broader push for institutional reform within the armed forces to ensure gender parity, policy clarity, and fair treatment of officers who have proven themselves in critical national service roles.

The matter is likely to set a precedent for future cases concerning SSC officers across the armed forces, especially women officers seeking a permanent career path within the military.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
IPS officer Kishan Kumar
Delhi: Retired IPS Officer Kishan Kumar Alleges Harassment by ASI Balwan Singh, Seeks Police Protection
IAS Tirumani Sri Pooja
IAS Tirumani Sri Pooja Assumes Charge as Project Officer of Paderu ITDA, Pledges to Boost Tribal Development in ASR District
mohan yadav
World EV Day 2025: CM Mohan Yadav Pushes Madhya Pradesh to Become India’s EV Manufacturing Hub
mohan yadav
MP: CM Mohan Yadav to Transfer ₹175 Crore Assistance to Workers’ Families under Sambal Scheme In Bhopal
coal-India-limited-scaled
Coal India Explores Setting Up Data Centres in Decommissioned Mines to Boost Digital Capacity
OMC
OMC Launches LeaDHer 2025 to Empower Women Leaders, Building Skills and Fostering Inclusivity Across the Organization
fake IPS
Fake IPS Officer Arrested in Hajipur: Aslam Ahmed Used ADG Email to Extort Government Employees- Know More
CONCOR Logo Resized
CONCOR Appoints Anita Barik as Group General Manager (C&O), Strengthening Senior Leadership Team
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IPS Shikha Goel
How Modern Forensics Helps Police Solve Crimes – IPS Officer Shikha Goel Explains | Video Interview
IPS Shikha Goel
Decoding Digital Dangers: Insights from IPS Shikha Goel on Cyber Crimes
IPS Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo
Managing Elections, Communal Tensions, and Public Safety – Meet IPS Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Ishwarlal Gurjar UPSC
10th Grade Failure to Indian Police Service: Ishwarlal Gurjar’s UPSC Success Path
Read the inspiring journey of Ishwarlal Gurjar from a small village in Rajasthan to becoming an IPS officer....
IAS Minnu P M
“Lazy, Sleepy, Yet Determined”: Minnu P M’s Honest Take on Cracking UPSC
Minnu PM, once a clerk in Kerala Police, cleared UPSC with AIR 150 after five years of struggle. Her...
IPS Ashish Tiwari
From IIT and Investment Banking to Public Service, Meet IPS Ashish Tiwari 
Ashish Tiwari, IIT graduate and former investment banker, chose public service over global finance. As...
Social Media
IAS Medha Roopam
IAS Medha Roopam’s Inspiring Dedication in Flood-Hit Noida Goes Viral: Focuses on Relief, Education Amid Heavy Rains
Books in One Hand, Umbrella in Other: Noida DM Medha Roopam Leads Flood Relief from the Front
IAS Sakshi Sawhney Amritsar DC
Punjab Floods: IAS Sakshi Sawhney’s Emotional Appeal to Elderly Man Wins Hearts, Video of Humanity Goes Viral
Viral Video Captures Emotional Moment as Amritsar DC Shows Sensitivity and Courage Amid Relief Effor...
Masahiro Hara
From Go Board to Global Use, How QR Codes Changed the World: IRAS Officer Ananth Rupanagudi Spotlights Masahiro Hara’s Vision
IRAS officer Ananth Rupanagudi shared a video on Masahiro Hara, the inventor of QR codes, highlighting...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
IPS officer Kishan Kumar
Delhi: Retired IPS Officer Kishan Kumar Alleges Harassment by ASI Balwan Singh, Seeks Police Protection
IAS Tirumani Sri Pooja
IAS Tirumani Sri Pooja Assumes Charge as Project Officer of Paderu ITDA, Pledges to Boost Tribal Development in ASR District
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IPS Shikha Goel
IPS Shikha Goel
IPS Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT