The Indian Army, often praised for its discipline and service, faces growing criticism for its repeated failure to protect its women officers from sexual harassment, abuse, and intimidation. Reports spanning from 2015 to 2025 reveal deep-rooted misconduct and a lack of accountability that continue to endanger those serving in uniform.
In one of the latest incidents from 2025, a woman Major in the 1 Armoured Division in Patiala accused a serving Lieutenant Colonel of sexual harassment. Instead of following the POSH Act, 2013, which mandates an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), the authorities reportedly bypassed the required procedure and initiated an internal “inquiry.” The victim later faced intense pressure to withdraw her complaint — a reflection of how women officers are often silenced within the military system.
This case is not isolated. Over the past decade, multiple incidents across India’s armed forces have exposed a consistent pattern of abuse and neglect:
- In 2015, a Signal Corps Captain accused a senior Colonel of harassment, with the case delayed for years.
- Between 2021 and 2025, a Major was convicted for sexually abusing a domestic worker, only after court intervention.
- In 2024, an Indian Air Force officer in Srinagar reported assault by a Wing Commander, who later received anticipatory bail.
- In Meghalaya, a Brigadier faced allegations of harassment but no arrests followed.
Experts say these incidents reveal systemic flaws that leave women officers vulnerable. The rigid military hierarchy often shields perpetrators, while victims face institutional pressure to stay silent. Despite legal frameworks like the POSH Act, implementation remains weak, and oversight under military law limits civilian judicial intervention.
For a decade, allegations of harassment, assault, and cover-ups have continued to surface, highlighting an urgent need for reform. The Indian Army’s failure to safeguard women officers undermines its own values of honour, discipline, and integrity — leaving those who defend the nation unprotected within their own ranks.
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