The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for failing to issue a proper public apology over his controversial remarks targeting Indian Army officer Col. Sofiya Qureshi. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi remarked that Shah was “testing the court’s patience” and that his conduct was raising doubts about his bona fides.
The court was hearing a case concerning the minister’s remarks, which were widely circulated in a video earlier this year and led to public outrage. The video reportedly showed Shah making objectionable statements about Col. Qureshi, who, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, had gained national attention during the press briefings on Operation Sindoor.
Justice Surya Kant said the minister’s delay in issuing an adequate apology suggested a lack of sincerity. “You are testing our patience,” the bench observed, noting that his behaviour was casting doubt on his intentions.
Senior advocate K. Parmeshwar, appearing for Shah, informed the bench that his client had indeed issued a public apology and that it had been published online. He assured the court that the statement would be placed on the record.
Meanwhile, the court directed the special investigation team (SIT), which was formed in May in compliance with its earlier order, to submit its report by August 13. The SIT, set up by the Madhya Pradesh government, has so far examined 87 individuals and is currently scrutinising the collected statements.
The Supreme Court also declined to entertain a plea filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur demanding Shah’s resignation. However, it clarified that some of the allegations regarding his previous conduct, as mentioned in the petition, would be examined by the SIT.
The matter will be taken up again on August 18.
The controversy stems from the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s earlier directive to register an FIR against the minister. The High Court had strongly criticised Shah’s remarks, calling them “scurrilous” and accusing him of using “language of the gutters” with the potential to promote enmity and hatred.
Following widespread condemnation, Shah had issued a statement expressing “regret,” claiming that he respected Col. Qureshi more than his own sister.
