New Delhi: The Supreme Court has rejected the apology offered by Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah over his controversial and communal remarks allegedly directed at a woman Army officer, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The court criticized the minister for not offering a sincere apology and ordered the formation of a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case.
A bench led by Justice Surya Kant questioned the genuineness of Shah’s apology, describing it as lacking substance. “You want to give the impression that the court asked you to apologise. What prevented you from offering a sincere apology earlier?” Justice Kant remarked, highlighting the emotional sensitivity of the armed forces.
The court has directed that the SIT, comprising three IPS officers including at least one woman, be constituted by Tuesday morning, and the investigation report be submitted by May 28. While the court granted temporary protection from arrest, it made it clear that the minister “must face consequences.”
The court also issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government, calling this matter a “litmus test” for its commitment to justice.
The Controversial Remarks
Following India’s military operation, Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps across the border, Shah allegedly made inflammatory remarks during a public speech. While not naming anyone, he implied that a woman officer, from a community associated with Pakistan, had been used to “strip the country naked” in revenge.
These remarks were widely interpreted as targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a prominent face during the Op Sindoor press briefings. The comments sparked outrage, drawing criticism from opposition parties, military veterans, and even members of Shah’s own party.
Earlier Court Response
The Madhya Pradesh High Court, taking suo motu cognizance, had slammed Shah for using “language of the gutters” and ordered an FIR against him. It noted the military is one of the few institutions in India that continues to represent integrity and honour.
The Supreme Court echoed these sentiments, with Chief Justice DY Chandrachud earlier urging public figures to exercise restraint and avoid communal or derogatory language.
Initially, Shah defended his remarks as being misinterpreted but later offered to apologise, saying, “If my words have hurt, I’m ready to apologise ten times.”
Despite this, the top court ruled that a mere apology was insufficient and ordered a formal investigation to proceed without bias or delay.
