In a historic decision, the Supreme Court of India highlighted the achievements of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army while granting a Permanent Commission to women officers in the armed forces. The judgment, authored by Justice DY Chandrachud in the case of The Secretary, Ministry of Defence vs Babita Puniya and Others, rejected the Union Government's view that women officers were unsuitable for Permanent Commission.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's name appeared first among the women officers whose achievements were specifically acknowledged by the Court. The Court noted:
“Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi (Army Signal Corps) is the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multi-national military exercise named "Exercise Force 18‟ which is the largest ever foreign military exercise hosted by India. She has served in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Congo in 2006, where she, along with others, was in charge of monitoring ceasefires and aiding in humanitarian activities.”
The Supreme Court further emphasized that the contributions of women officers like Colonel Qureshi not only challenged stereotypes but also demonstrated the capability of women in handling complex military roles.
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The judgment also celebrated other women officers who had made significant contributions to the Indian Army:
- Lieutenant Colonel Anuvandana Jaggi led the Women's Team in the UN mission in Burundi and was honored with the UN Force Commander’s Commendation.
- Major Madhumita, the first woman officer to receive the Gallantry Award (Sena Medal), showcased extraordinary bravery against Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan.
- Lieutenant A Divya received the Sword of Honour at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, among 227 officers, including 57 women.
- Major Gopika Ajitsingh Pawar was awarded the UN Peacekeeping Medal for her role in Lebanon.
- Major Madhu Rana, Preeti Singh, and Anuja Yadav were honored with the United Nations Medal for their service in the UN mission in Congo.
- Captain Ashwini Pawar and Captain Shipra Majumdar received the Sewa Medal by the President of India in 2007 for their exceptional service.
The Court firmly rejected the Union Government’s claim that biological differences made women less suitable for Permanent Commission. It observed:
“Women officers of the Indian Army have brought laurels to the force.”
The judgment also highlighted the active participation of women officers in UN Peacekeeping missions since 2004 and their deployment in combat roles in Syria, Lebanon, Ethiopia, and Israel.
The Supreme Court further condemned any attempt to undermine the capabilities of women officers based on gender, stating:
“Their track record of service to the nation is beyond reproach. To cast aspersion on their abilities on the ground of gender is an affront not only to their dignity as women but to the dignity of the members of the Indian Army – men and women – who serve as equal citizens in a common mission.”
