The Supreme Court has firmly rejected the apology offered by Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his offensive comments targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a key spokesperson of the Indian Army. The court expressed serious concerns about the sincerity of Vijay Shah’s apology, describing it as a mere attempt to avoid accountability. It has directed the state police to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter thoroughly. The court’s decision comes amid strong condemnation of the minister’s remarks, which came at a sensitive time soon after a critical military operation. The SIT is expected to submit its first status report by May 28, while the court has restrained the police from arresting Shah for now.
SIT Formation and Court’s Expectations
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotishwar Singh, ordered the Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police to constitute an SIT by May 20. The team will include three senior IPS officers, including a woman officer, all from outside the state to ensure impartiality. The SIT will be headed by an officer with the rank of Inspector General of Police or higher, with the other two members being at least Superintendent of Police. The court emphasized the importance of this investigation as a test of the state’s commitment to justice and asked for close monitoring of the SIT’s progress.
The order follows a petition filed by Vijay Shah challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s suo motu decision to take cognizance of his remarks and direct police to register an FIR. The FIR was filed under sections related to acts threatening India’s sovereignty, disturbing public harmony, and promoting disharmony.
Court’s Strong Reprimand of Minister’s Remarks
At the hearing on May 15, led by Chief Justice Bhushan R Gavai, the court severely criticized Vijay Shah’s derogatory remarks against Col. Sofiya Qureshi, one of the officers briefing the nation on Operation Sindoor. The court called the comments not only insulting to the officer but damaging to the armed forces’ dignity. Vijay Vijay Shah had claimed that the media had misquoted him and insisted he had apologized. However, the court was unconvinced, questioning the authenticity of the apology and noting that Vijay Shah came dangerously close to using abusive language publicly. The bench reminded Vijay Shah of his responsibility as a public figure and expressed disappointment over the delay by the state government in taking strict action after the FIR.
The timing of Vijay Shah’s remarks, coming just after a sensitive military operation, was described as particularly hurtful. The court emphasized the need to respect the armed forces and stated that the entire nation feels ashamed by the minister’s conduct. The court also instructed the state government to act fairly and promptly to uphold justice.
