An official release said that “the Delhi High Court has sent only a notice on the plea of women officers, to the Army Headquarters to explain its position on the directions given by the Delhi High Court in this regard”.

The Delhi High Court order came almost three months after a judicial order permitted the grant of permanent commission to serving women officers.

The High Court had admitted a contempt petition by Lt Colonel Sangita Sardana and other serving women officers.

Justice G.S. Sistani asked the Army Chief and Defence Secretary to submit their replies by August 18.

The officers in their petition said the army had failed to make its stand clear and has in fact taken a decision to release officers from service despite the court staying such a move in May.

On March 12, the High Court had in an order said that women officers in the Army and Air Force were entitled to permanent commission.

“If male officers can be granted permanent commission….there is no reason why equally capable women officers can't. It is not charity being sought by women officers but enforcement of constitutional rights,” the court order said.