In a landmark judgment delivered on February 17, 2020, the Supreme Court of India ruled in favour of granting Permanent Commission (PC) to women officers in the Indian Army, a decision that not only reshaped military policy but also recognised the exemplary contributions of officers like Colonel Sofia Qureshi.

Colonel Qureshi, who along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, addressed the media on Wednesday regarding ‘Operation Sindoor’, had previously been acknowledged by the apex court for her pioneering role in the armed forces.

During the briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri delivered the government’s opening statement as Qureshi and Singh flanked him on stage.

The press conference followed missile strikes carried out by Indian armed forces on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

Highlighting Qureshi’s achievements, the Supreme Court noted her distinction as the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military exercise—Exercise Force 18—hosted by India. The exercise remains the largest foreign military training event ever conducted in the country.

Additionally, her service with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Congo in 2006, where she helped monitor ceasefires and assisted in humanitarian efforts in conflict zones, was specifically recognised by the court.

The judgement underscored the indefensibility of excluding women officers from command roles and confining them to staff appointments. It rejected arguments based on "biological composition and social milieu" that sought to limit women's roles in the Army, calling such reasoning contrary to constitutional values. The court observed that the blanket non-consideration of women for command appointments, without any rational basis, could not be upheld in law.

Colonel Qureshi’s career is a testament to the capabilities of women officers who have served the nation alongside their male counterparts. Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, in 1974, she earned a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in 1997. As an officer in the Indian Army’s elite Corps of Signals, she has also contributed to flood relief efforts in Northeast India.

Her career reached a historic milestone in 2016 when she shattered a long-standing glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent in a major field exercise involving ASEAN nations.

The Supreme Court, in its verdict, cited her service as an example of the merit, leadership, and commitment that women officers bring to the force.

The court also took note of the Centre’s affidavit, which acknowledged the dedicated service of Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers. However, it criticised the government's persistent stance undermining their roles, calling it a dilution of their contributions.

“Women officers of the Indian Army have brought laurels to the force,” the Court said, reinforcing the constitutional promise of equality and dignity.