The Supreme Court has taken a firm stance against Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his inflammatory and communal remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior Army officer involved in briefing the media during Operation Sindoor. In a significant move, the apex court has rejected Shah’s apology, terming it “a pretence to wriggle out of the consequences,” and directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the FIR registered against him.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was scathing in its criticism of the minister’s conduct. The court described Shah’s comments as “crass, thoughtless remarks” and accused him of nearly using “filthy, abusive language” during his speech. “You were going to commit, people are not reporting… you were on the verge of using very abusive language. There you stopped because you couldn’t find any alternate word… either some sense prevailed, or you could not find that word,” Justice Kant observed.
Highlighting the emotive significance of the matter for the Indian armed forces, Justice Kant remarked, “You should have been more sensible. Such an emotive issue… One has to see the timing. It’s such an emotive issue for the Indian forces. And each one of us needs to be very, very responsible.”
Court Orders SIT Probe of 3 Officers
The SIT, as ordered by the court, must comprise three senior IPS officers from the Madhya Pradesh cadre who are directly recruited but do not belong to the state. One of the members must be a woman, and the team will be headed by an officer not below the rank of Inspector General, with the other two being of SP rank or higher. The SIT is required to submit a status report by May 28.
The court issued a stern reminder to the Madhya Pradesh government, calling the situation a “litmus test” for the state administration, and questioned why it had shown minimal initiative in acting against Shah. “First, you register the kind of FIR that the HC has taken notice of, the very next day. What happened after 15, when the HC had to intervene and rewrite your FIR? After that, what have you done?” asked Justice Kant.
Shah’s comments had drawn nationwide condemnation. During a public speech following India’s cross-border strikes, the minister said, “You widowed sisters of our community, so a sister of your community will strip you naked. (Prime Minister) Modi ji proved that the daughters of your community can be sent to Pakistan to take revenge.” He appeared to refer to Col. Qureshi, a decorated officer from the Muslim community, sparking outrage from across the political and military spectrum.
Shah Offers, Conditional Apology, Claims Remarks were Misinterpreted
Despite being asked earlier by the court to apologise, Shah initially claimed his remarks were taken out of context. He later offered a conditional apology, stating, “Sister Sofiya has brought glory to India by rising above caste and religion…We cannot even think of insulting her in our dreams. Still, if my words have hurt society and religion, then I am ready to apologise ten times.”
The court, however, dismissed this response. “If you are insisting that this is your genuine regret, then it is outrightly rejected,” Justice Kant said, adding, “You say ‘If I have hurt’. You are still not ready to admit that you have hurt somebody’s feelings and sentiments… You say, ‘if I have hurt, then my apology’. What is this condition? What does he think of himself?”
Justice Kant emphasised that being a public figure, Shah had an even greater responsibility. “You are a public figure, a seasoned politician. You should weigh your words. In a representative democracy, you are, in a way, representing millions of people. Your standards need to be much higher than the others.”
SC Stays Shah’s Arrest
Although the court has temporarily stayed Shah’s arrest, it ordered him to cooperate fully with the SIT investigation. “Subject thereto, as of now, his arrest shall remain stayed,” the bench said. However, it also made clear that the investigation would not be politicised and refused intervention applications in the matter, asserting, “It will only politicise the issue.”
The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier taken suo motu cognizance of the case, calling Shah’s words “language of the gutters” and ordering an FIR. The High Court noted that the armed forces, a pillar of discipline and sacrifice in the country, were being maligned in an unacceptable manner.
The Supreme Court concluded by stating that while it would not formally monitor the investigation, it would closely observe the proceedings. “We are not saying monitoring, but we will keep a close watch. So it’s a litmus test for you,” said the bench, directing the SIT to present a comprehensive report on May 28.
