SC seeks govt's response on woman army officer's plea

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought the Centre's response on a plea of Lt Col Mitali Madhumita, the only woman army officer to win a gallantry award, seeking restoration of Armed Forces Tribunal order asking the government to consider her case for a permanent commission.

A bench comprising Justices J S Khehar and R Banumathi issued notices to the government and the army on the officer's plea seeking lifting of the stay ordered by the apex court on the tribunal's February 5 order asking the authorities to consider her permanent commission. A Permanent Commission means a career in the Army till retirement.

The bench has sought government's response by September 11 and posted her plea for hearing on September 14 when it will also hear the appeal against the tribunal's order. The tribunal had entertained the officer's plea against the government's move to reject her application due to her earlier unwillingness regarding grant of <g data-gr-id="15">permanent</g> commission.