The Supreme Court of India has intervened in the case of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander, Nikita Pandey, who was denied a permanent commission despite her involvement in critical operations, including Operation Sindoor and Operation Balakot. A two-judge bench, presided over by Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, directed the Centre and the IAF not to relieve the officer from her duties until further notice. The court is currently hearing her plea, where she alleges discrimination in being denied a permanent commission.
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, representing Wing Commander Pandey, argued that her client is an expert fighter controller who played a vital role in the Integrated Air Command and Control Systems (IACCS) during both Operation Sindoor and Operation Balakot. Guruswamy highlighted Pandey's exceptional record, noting that she ranked second in the merit list of expert air fighter controllers in the country and has served for over 13.5 years. However, a 2019 policy change has led to her being denied a permanent commission, forcing her to conclude her service within a month.
Operation Sindoor, a recent military operation, involved precision missile strikes on nine terrorist targets across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes targeted key terrorist installations, including those belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, and were a response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Wing Commander Pandey's participation in this operation underscores her expertise and contribution to national security.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court bench questioned Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre and the IAF, about the grounds for denying the officer a permanent commission. Bhati stated that the officer was found unfit by a selection board, but also informed the bench that a second selection board would be considering her case.
Justice Surya Kant emphasized the professionalism and commendable nature of the IAF, stating, "Our Air Force is one of the best organisations in the world. Officers are very commendable. Quality of coordination they have exhibited, I think it's unparalleled. Therefore, we always salute them. They are a big asset for the nation. Because of them, we are able to sleep at night." The court also expressed concern that the uncertainty surrounding permanent commissions for skilled officers may not be in the best interest of the armed forces.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for August 6, 2025. The court clarified that its interim stay on Wing Commander Pandey's release would not create any special claim in her favor, leaving all legal issues open for further consideration. The court suggested that the government consider a policy of recruiting only as many Short Service Commission (SSC) officers as can be accommodated in the Permanent Commission, if they are found suitable.