The Delhi High Court has extended the interim protection previously granted by the Supreme Court to women officers of the Indian Air Force who are challenging the denial of permanent commission. The court has directed the Air Force authorities to file their response within a week, with the matter now scheduled for further hearing in July.
Background of the Case
The women officers initially approached the Supreme Court last year against the Air Force's decision to deny them permanent commission. The apex court instructed them to seek remedy before the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) or the high court. Following this direction, they moved the AFT, but their application was dismissed. Subsequently, they approached the Delhi High Court, which has now continued the interim stay on their release.
Allegations of Hasty Discharge
The case is part of a broader challenge by women officers contesting the denial of permanent commission. They allege that release orders were issued despite the interim protection granted by the Supreme Court. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners argued that the Air Force acted hastily by issuing discharge orders on June 3, when both the Delhi High Court and the AFT were on vacation. According to the petitioners, the release orders were issued before their applications could be taken up by the AFT.
Legal Proceedings
When the high court inquired why the officers approached it at this stage, the petitioners' counsel submitted that they had first approached the AFT in compliance with the Supreme Court's directions. However, since the tribunal did not hear the matter before the discharge orders were issued, they were left with no alternative but to seek relief from the Delhi High Court. The court has now directed the Air Force to respond within a week and extended the interim protection, ensuring the officers' release is stayed until the next hearing.
