The Supreme Court has firmly rejected Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah’s apology for his offensive comments against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a prominent spokesperson of the Indian Army. The court described Shah’s apology as insincere and ordered the state police to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the incident. The bench emphasized the seriousness of the minister’s remarks, which came soon after a significant military operation, and highlighted the need to uphold respect for the armed forces and its representatives.
SIT Formation and Investigation
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh directed the Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to set up an SIT by May 20. This team will consist of three senior IPS officers, including a woman officer, all from outside the state. The leader of the SIT must be at least of the rank of Inspector General of Police, while the other two members should be Superintendent of Police rank or higher. The court stated that this investigation is a critical test of the state’s commitment to justice and that the SIT’s report must be closely monitored, with the first status update due by May 28.
The Supreme Court’s order came in response to Shah’s petition challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s May 14 order, which had suo motu taken cognizance of his remarks and directed police to file an FIR against him. The FIR was registered at Manpur police station in Indore under sections related to acts endangering national integrity and disturbing public harmony.
Court’s Strong Reprimand and Demand for Accountability
At a hearing on May 15, led by Chief Justice Bhushan R Gavai, the court condemned Shah’s remarks as disparaging and harmful not only to Col. Sofiya Qureshi but to the entire armed forces. The minister had claimed the media misquoted him and insisted he had apologized. However, the Supreme Court was unconvinced by this explanation, stating that his apology seemed like a mere attempt to escape accountability. The bench criticized Shah for almost using offensive language publicly and reminded him, as a public figure, to carefully weigh his words.
The court further expressed disappointment over the state government’s delay in taking strict action following the FIR. It emphasized that respecting the armed forces is a national priority, especially when emotions run high after military operations, and expressed the nation’s shame over the minister’s conduct.
The Supreme Court restrained the state police from arresting Shah at this stage but made it clear that serious scrutiny of the minister’s actions would continue through the SIT probe.
