Indian Supreme Court make ruling allowing women army officers to be eligible for permanent commissions

India's top court has ruled that all women army officers are now eligible for permanent commissions, allowing them to be in commanding roles.

The ruling means that all women officers will now be on par with men when it comes to promotions, ranks, benefits and pensions.

The Supreme Court rejected the government's plea to overturn the Delhi high court's order on the same matter.

The ruling has been hailed as a "great leap" towards equality in the army.

Prior to the ruling women were initially meant to serve for five years, but had the option of extending their tenure, although they wouldn't receive the same benefits as men.

Speaking on the development, Lieutenant Colonel Poonam said: "The Indian constitution is based on equality. Denying opportunities to women was against the ethos of the constitution. Now the army will have to frame guidelines that are equal for men and women.”