The Supreme Court on Monday strongly criticised Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for failing to issue a proper public apology over his controversial remarks against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The court observed that Shah was 'testing its patience' with his approach.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi questioned the minister’s sincerity and intentions, noting that his conduct was casting serious doubts over his bonafides. “What do you mean by an apology like this? He made the statement on the very first date. We are referring to a public apology—where is that on record? He is testing our patience,” the bench remarked sharply.
Senior advocate K Parmeshwar, appearing for Shah, submitted that the minister had issued a public apology online and that it would be officially placed on record before the court. However, the bench was not satisfied with this explanation. “What is an online apology? We are beginning to have doubts about his intentions and bonafide. Place the apology on record. We will have to examine it,” the court said.
The Supreme Court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which had been constituted to probe the minister's remarks, to submit its report by August 13. An SIT officer present in court submitted a sealed cover containing the interim findings, stating that the team had examined statements from 27 individuals and that those statements were currently under scrutiny. The bench observed that the SIT should have focused on recording the statements of people whose sentiments were hurt by the minister’s remarks, rather than just relying on Shah’s own statement.
Meanwhile, the court declined to entertain a plea filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur seeking Shah’s resignation. However, it clarified that some of the allegations regarding the minister’s past conduct, as mentioned in the writ petition, would be examined by the three-member SIT. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on August 18.
Also Read: MP police form SIT to probe minister's remarks on Col Qureshi
The SIT was formed by the Madhya Pradesh government in compliance with the Supreme Court’s earlier directive. On May 28, the Supreme Court ordered the closure of proceedings before the Madhya Pradesh High Court in relation to Shah’s comments against Col Qureshi and asked the SIT to submit a status report.
Earlier, on May 19, the apex court had criticised Shah and ordered the formation of an SIT to investigate the FIR registered against him. Kunwar Vijay Shah faced widespread backlash after a video showing him allegedly making objectionable remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi surfaced online. Col Qureshi had garnered nationwide recognition alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during press briefings on Operation Sindoor.
Shah was previously chastised by the Madhya Pradesh High Court for using "scurrilous" language and "language of the gutters" against Col. Qureshi. The court also ordered the police to file a formal complaint against Shah on charges of inciting hatred and enmity. After the outcry, Shah apologised for his remarks and said he respected Col. Qureshi more than his own sister.
Also Read: SC slams minister over 'Colonel Qureshi' remark
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