‘I’m a woman, can’t be called ex-serviceman, need gender-neutral term’: Retd Capt in HC

The Punjab and Haryana high court has issued notice to the central government on a petition filed by a former woman officer of the Indian Army seeking replacement of the term "ex-serviceman" with gender-neutral and gender-inclusive terms. Captain Sukhjit Pal Kaur Sanewal, a retired woman officer, argued that referring to former women officers as "ex-servicemen" promotes gender stereotypes and is outdated. The petitioner highlighted that women have been serving in various roles in the Army since the 1990s, including command appointments. The plea emphasizes the importance of gender-inclusive language and lists examples from global militaries and establishments.