WEB DESK: Between 2015 and 2025, alarming incidents have exposed systemic sexual harassment and institutional failures within the Indian Army, shedding light on pervasive issues that compromise the dignity and safety of women officers. Despite being celebrated as a disciplined and patriotic establishment, the Indian Army has increasingly displayed patterns of corruption, a culture of impunity, and lapses in accountability, putting women in its ranks at substantial risk.
In one of the most recent cases in 2025, a woman Major from the 1 Armoured Division, Patiala, accused a serving Lieutenant Colonel of sexual harassment. Instead of adhering to the legal provisions under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 (POSH Act), the authorities circumvented the mandatory Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) process by opting for an internal “inquiry.” Efforts to intimidate the complainant and force her to withdraw the claim underscored a systemic disregard for legal protocols and the safety of women officers.
This incident is not isolated but part of a troubling trend observed across various branches of India’s armed forces over the past decade:
1- In 2015, a Captain from the Signal Corps accused a senior Colonel of sexual harassment. While prima facie evidence was eventually established against the accused, delays and inadequate responses initially hindered accountability.
2- From 2021 to 2025, a Major was convicted in a General Court Martial for sexually abusing an 11-year-old domestic worker. Justice was delivered only following court intervention, exposing inefficiencies in military proceedings.
3- In Srinagar, 2024, a female Indian Air Force officer reported harassment and physical assault by a Wing Commander. The accused received anticipatory bail despite the gravity of the allegations, highlighting systemic bias against victims.
4- In Meghalaya between 2024 and 2025, a Brigadier subjected the wife of a Colonel to threats and unwanted advances. Despite police involvement, no arrests had been made, showcasing enforcement delays.
5- In Indore during 2024, military officers were implicated in a mob assault and sexual abuse case involving officers’ families, pointing to broader safety concerns.
6- In Odisha in 2025, Colonel Amit Kumar accused senior officials of raping his wife. Reports suggest police intimidation and lack of investigation, raising red flags regarding accountability mechanisms.
7- Chandigarh witnessed moral and ethical degradation in 2025 when a Colonel was court-martialed for an adulterous affair involving another officer’s wife, disrupting discipline within ranks.
These cases reveal systemic patterns of harassment rooted in military hierarchy and the misuse of rank which allow perpetrators to evade responsibility. Often, victims face intimidation to retract complaints or are denied justice due to procedural circumventing of legal frameworks like the POSH Act. The absence of functional Internal Complaints Committees compounds these challenges. Military jurisdiction restricts civilian judicial oversight, particularly in territories affected by AFSPA provisions, leaving victims without proper recourse.
Despite increased reporting in recent years, institutional reforms remain insufficient. Legal enforcement remains weak, fostering an environment where women serving their nation with courage face hostility and abuse.
Verified through Indian media and judicial archives spanning the decade, these patterns reflect how fundamental values of honor, discipline, and patriotism are overshadowed by systemic exploitation and negligence within India’s armed forces.
