- SC directs IAF not to release Wing Commander Nikita Pandey until further orders
- Nikita Pandey played a crucial role in Op Sindoor & Op Balakot
- Wing Commander Nikita Pandey was denied Permanent Commission due to a 2019 policy change
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been directed not to release Wing Commander Nikita Pandey from service until further orders are issued from the Supreme Court. Nikita, who played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor and Operation Balakot, was denied permanent commission due to a 2019 policy change. The court emphasized the importance of policies ensuring permanent commission for Short Service Commission officers.
Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh issued notices to the Union government and IAF, awaiting their response during Nikita's plea hearing, stating her release will be temporarily suspended. The court emphasized the negative impact of service uncertainty on officers and suggested the armed forces should have policies ensuring a permanent commission for Short Service Commission for deserving officers. The next hearing is scheduled for August 6.
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy defended petitioner Nikita Pandey, stating that she is a fighter controller with over 13.5 years of experience in the Integrated Air Command and Control Systems (IACCS), leading the critical operations. She ranks second in the merit list for fighter controllers. However, she was denied permanent commission due to a 2019 policy change, prompting her resignation.
The Centre and IAF support capable officers continuing in service, but the IAF's pyramidal structure requires many to exit after 14 years to maintain youth. Justice Surya Kant noted, "Our Air Force is one of the best in the world. The officers are commendable. Because of them, we sleep peacefully at night." He added, "That sense of uncertainty may not be good for the armed forces. It's a layman's view, we are not experts, but on minimum benchmarks, there can't be a compromise."
The court ruled that repeated recruitment under the Short Service Commission without permanent absorption creates unfair competition, and that an interim stay would not create equity in Nikita's favor.
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