Supreme Court Lauds Colonel Sofiya Qureshi In Landmark Ruling On Women's Army Commission

The Supreme Court praised Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s achievements while granting women officers Permanent Commission in the Indian Army.

Supreme Court Lauds Colonel Sofiya Qureshi In Landmark Ruling On Women's Army Commission

Source : X

During the press briefing for 'Operation Sindoor,' two women officers from the Indian Armed Forces spoke to the nation about the recent air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. Colonel Sofia Qureshi from the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh from the Indian Air Force addressed the press alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Choosing these officers sent a strong message of unity, showing that people of different backgrounds stand together to defend the country.

Colonel Qureshi's role in this event also highlights her incredible achievements, which were officially acknowledged by the Supreme Court of India. In 2020, the Court's landmark judgment in the case of The Secretary, Ministry of Defence vs Babita Puniya and others granted Permanent Commission to women officers in the Indian Army. The judgment emphasized the exceptional service of several women officers, with Colonel Qureshi's name being cited first among them. Her dedication and achievements in the Army stand as an inspiration to many.

The Supreme Court observed: "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 in those countries and aiding in humanitarian activities. Her job included ensuring peace in conflict-affected areas."

Colonel Qureshi's service is a testament to the significant role women play in the Indian military. Other women officers who were mentioned in the Supreme Court judgment include:

• Lieutenant Colonel Anuvandana Jaggi, who led the Women's Team in the United Nations Military Observers Team in Burundi and received the United Nations Force Commander's Commendation.
• Major Madhumita (Army Education Corps), the first woman officer in India to receive the Gallantry Award (Sena Medal) for fighting Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan. Her brave actions during the mission saved many lives.
• Lieutenant A Divya, who received the Sword of Honour in 2010, becoming the first woman to achieve this honor in the Officers Training Academy, Chennai.
• Major Gopika Ajitsingh Pawar, awarded the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal for her role in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
• Major Madhu Rana, Preeti Singh, and Anuja Yadav, who received the United Nations Medal for their service in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Captain Ashwini Pawar (Army Ordinance Corps) and Captain Shipra Majumdar (Army Engineer Corps), awarded the Sewa Medal by the President of India in 2007 for their exceptional service.

The Supreme Court’s judgment highlighted the critical role women have played in India's armed forces. It remarked that the argument against women’s permanent commission due to their biological composition and social background was "disturbing as it ignores the solemn constitutional values which every institution in the nation is bound to uphold and facilitate."

The Court also noted that women officers had been deployed in various international peacekeeping operations since 2004, working in conflict zones in Syria, Lebanon, Ethiopia, and Israel. In 2008, women officers were included in the Quick Reaction Teams, where they performed similar duties alongside male officers. The Indian Army also entrusted women officers with complex tasks such as leading convoys of up to fifty vehicles in sensitive areas like Leh, Srinagar, and the North East.

With these achievements in mind, the Supreme Court concluded: "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."