The Supreme Court on Monday sharply criticized Madhya Pradesh BJP minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, questioning the sincerity of his public apology and ordering a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh took a strong view of Shah’s controversial comments, which went viral on social media. “The kind of crass comments you made, completely thoughtlessly… We don’t need this apology,” the bench said, suggesting the minister’s statement appeared to be “crocodile tears” aimed at evading legal consequences.
Colonel Qureshi, a decorated Indian Army officer, was one of the two officers — along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh — who conducted media briefings on the military aspects of Operation Sindoor. Shah’s remarks, perceived as communal and derogatory, sparked nationwide outrage and calls for accountability.
During the hearing, the court reminded Shah of the weight of his position as a public representative, stating, “You should use every single word sensibly.” The judges also noted that in the video of his speech, Shah appeared to be “on the verge of using filthy language.”
In response, the apex court directed the Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to constitute a Special Investigation Team by 10 AM on Tuesday, May 20. The SIT must include three senior IPS officers of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, including at least one woman officer, and will investigate the full circumstances and implications of Shah’s statements.
