Delhi High Court Extends Interim Protection for Women IAF Officers
The Delhi High Court has extended the interim protection granted by the Supreme Court to women officers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) who are challenging the denial of Permanent Commission. The court directed the IAF authorities to file their response within a week, with the next hearing scheduled for July.
Background of the Case
The women officers had approached the Supreme Court last year against the IAF's decision to deny them Permanent Commission. The apex court directed them to first seek relief from the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) or the High Court. Following this direction, they moved the AFT, but their plea was dismissed. They then approached the Delhi High Court, which has now continued the interim stay on their discharge.
Allegations of Hasty Discharge Orders
The officers have alleged that the discharge orders were issued despite the Supreme Court's interim protection. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners argued that the IAF acted hastily by issuing discharge orders on June 3, when both the Delhi High Court and the AFT were on vacation. The officers claimed the orders were issued before the tribunal could hear their applications.
Compliance with Supreme Court Directions
Responding to the High Court's query on why they approached it at this stage, the petitioners' counsel said they had first moved the AFT in compliance with the Supreme Court's directions. However, as the tribunal could not hear the matter before the discharge orders were issued, the officers approached the High Court for relief.
Broader Challenge to Permanent Commission Denial
This case is part of a wider challenge by women IAF officers against the denial of Permanent Commission. The officers have been fighting for equal career opportunities, including the grant of Permanent Commission, which would allow them to serve until retirement. The Delhi High Court's interim stay provides temporary relief while the legal process continues.
