Woman Commander takes IAF to court

Pooja Thakur leads the Guard of Honour for the US President

New Delhi: Wing Commander Pooja Thakur, who led the Guard of Honour during US President Barack Obama's visit last year, moved the Armed Forces Tribunal yesterday after IAF denied her permanent commission (PC).

Pooja Thakur leads the Guard of Honour for the US President

Her lawyer claimed the IAF has a ‘dual policy' of permanent commission when it comes to men and women, a charge strongly denied by sources in the armed force that is the first to ever allow female officers in combat role.

Admitting the matter, the tribunal sought IAF's response, Thakur's lawyer Sudhanshu Pandey said. Later in the day, he clarified that the case should not be seen from the prism of any gender bias.

Rejecting allegations of any bias, IAF sources maintained that the policy is equal for men and women and there are no separate manuals. Giving details, IAF sources said that permanent commission is not something that is doled out. They underlined that an officer, man or woman, has to first willingly seek for permanent commission and then has to meet the laid down criteria.

They said 37-year-old Thakur was commissioned into the Administration Branch on June 16, 2001 and that time an officer of the Short Service Commission could serve for five years and then opt for another six years, as per rules framed on November 25, 1991. The scheme was given an extension of another four years in 2003, raising the total service period to 15 years.

"One year prior to the end of the second tenure, one has to give in writing whether he/she wants to retire, wants permanent commission or just wants another extension," thesource said. They said there were 12 women officers in Thakur's batch and 10 of them opted for PC.

Thakur in two minds?
In July 2015, Thakur applied for a premature separation from the force, which she said would be effective from January 2016, sources said. However, last December, she changed her mind and said she wants to continue till her retirement in June 2016, following which her request was accepted. But 10 days prior to her retirement she sought PC. The IAF rejected her application stating there is no scope for such last minute change of mind.