New Delhi, July 14 (PTI): Wing Commander Pooja Thakur, who led the guard of honour during US President Barack Obama's visit last year, has moved the armed forces tribunal after being denied a permanent commission by the air force.

Her lawyer has alleged the IAF has a "dual policy" towards men and women on permanent commission. Sources in the force, the first to allow women in combat role, denied the allegation.

The tribunal has admitted the matter and sought the IAF's response, Pooja's lawyer Sudhanshu Pandey said. Later in the day, he clarified the case should not be seen from the prism of any gender bias.

Sources said there were no separate manuals for men and women in the permanent commission. They explained that an officer has to first seek permanent commission and then meet the specified criteria.

Pooja, 37, was commissioned into the administrative branch on June 16, 2001, when an officer recruited in the short service commission could serve for five years and then opt for another six, according to rules framed on November 25, 1991.

The scheme was given a four-year extension in 2003, raising the total service period to 15 years.

An officer said: "A year before the second tenure ends, an officer has to give in writing whether he or she wishes to retire, wants a permanent commission or just another extension."

Sources said there were 12 women officers in Pooja's batch, 10 of whom opted for the permanent commission and were given.

"Wing commander Pooja had sought an extension of four years. Another officer opted to retire," a source said.

In July last year, Pooja had put in an application seeking premature separation from the force with effect from January 2016. But last December, Pooja changed her mind and expressed her desire to complete her full term till June this year. The IAF accepted the wing commander's request.

However, 10 days before her retirement, Pooja sought the permanent commission. The IAF rejected the appeal, saying there was no scope for last-minute charge of mind.

Currently posted at Disha, the publicity cell at the air force headquarters, Pooja rose to fame after she led the guard of honour for Obama in January last year. The US President had later said the sight of "incredible" women in the armed forces was one of his "favourite things" in India.