SC Rejects MP Minister Vijay Shah’s Apology, Orders SIT Probe Over Remarks on Col Sofia Qureshi

NEW DELHI:
In a scathing rebuke, the Supreme Court on Monday rejected the apology tendered by Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah and ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe his controversial remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi, the Indian Army officer who has been the face of the press briefings on the recently concluded ‘Operation Sindoor’.

The apex court, expressing serious displeasure, described Shah’s apology as “insincere” and said it appeared to be a mere tactic to “wriggle out of legal liabilities”.

“The kind of crass comments you made, completely thoughtless… We don’t need this apology,” Justice Surya Kant remarked, adding, “The entire nation is ashamed… We are a country that firmly believes in the rule of law.”

The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, directed the Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh, to constitute an SIT comprising three IPS officers from outside the state, with at least one of them of the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP). The SIT has been asked to submit its report by May 28, and the court will maintain close oversight of the proceedings.

While the court stayed Shah’s arrest, it has directed him to cooperate fully with the investigation. The court also issued notice to the Madhya Pradesh government on Shah’s plea challenging the High Court’s earlier directive to register an FIR against him.

Shah’s controversial remarks, made in public, were widely condemned across social and political circles for being derogatory and offensive towards a decorated woman officer of the Indian Army. The Supreme Court, in no uncertain terms, called out the minister for his irresponsible conduct, especially considering his position.

“You are a public figure… a seasoned politician. You should weigh your words. Should we play your video here?” Justice Kant asked sharply, adding, “You were on the verge of using very filthy language… only something held you back.”

Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Shah, attempted to defend the minister, stating that he had issued a public apology. However, the bench found it far from adequate.

“What kind of apology is this? Crocodile tears? We don’t require your apology. We know how to deal with it as per the law,” the court observed firmly.

The court also questioned the inaction by the Madhya Pradesh administration, noting that the High Court had to intervene with suo motu action, which ideally should have come from the state.

“People expect fair state action. You should have done much more by now,” the court told the counsel for the state.

It may be recalled that earlier, on May 15, a bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud had termed Shah’s remarks “unacceptable” and warned public figures to exercise restraint and dignity in their statements, especially while referring to members of the Armed Forces.

As the SIT prepares to begin its probe, all eyes will be on the outcome of this case which raises serious questions on accountability, political decorum, and respect for the Armed Forces in public discourse.