SIT to Probe MP Minister’s Insult to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

Key Points

• Supreme Court strongly rejects Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah’s apology for calling Colonel Sofiya Qureshi a “sister of terrorists.”
• The court criticizes Shah’s apology as insincere and “crocodile tears,” demanding accountability for his inflammatory remarks.
• SIT with three senior IPS officers (including a woman officer) ordered to probe Shah’s comments; arrest stayed for now.
• Supreme Court upholds FIR against Shah and signals that public figures must be held to higher standards.
• Viral video of Shah’s speech sparked widespread outrage and demands for his resignation.

New Delhi: In a scathing rebuke, the Supreme Court on Monday categorically rejected the apology submitted by Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his controversial remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who recently represented India in media briefings on Operation Sindoor. Shah had referred to Colonel Qureshi as a “sister of terrorists,” sparking national outrage and calls for his resignation.

The bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, minced no words in dismissing Shah’s apology as insincere and inadequate. “Where is that apology? What kind of apology have you tendered? There is some meaning of apology. Sometimes people use docile language only to wriggle out of proceedings. Sometimes they shed crocodile tears. What kind of apology is yours?” Justice Kant asked, making clear the court’s dissatisfaction.

“A Seasoned Politician Should Weigh His Words”

Justice Kant further admonished Shah, stating, “You are a public figure. A seasoned politician. You should weigh your words when you speak.” The court noted that Shah’s “crass remarks” were made thoughtlessly and that his apology video appeared to be a mere attempt to avoid consequences. “You know how people’s sentiments have been ruthlessly hurt. You should have done something. Have you watched the video?” Justice Kant demanded.

SIT Probe Ordered, Arrest Stayed

The Supreme Court ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising three senior IPS officers (including at least one woman and headed by an Inspector General of Police), to probe the matter. The court stayed Shah’s arrest for now but insisted on full cooperation with the investigation. The SIT is expected to file its first report in the first week of the court’s summer vacation.

FIR and National Outrage

The court also upheld the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s directive to register a criminal case against Shah, emphasizing that public figures must face consequences for such statements. “The entire nation is ashamed of you. It is up to you how you redeem yourself. We have not directed anything,” the court told Shah’s counsel.

Shah had approached the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court’s order for a criminal case, after his remarks at a public event in Indore district went viral. In his speech, Shah implied that Colonel Qureshi was linked to terrorists, saying, “Jinhone humari betiyon ke sindoor ujade the… humne unhiki behen bhej kar ke unki aisi ki taisi karwayi (Those who wiped the vermilion off our daughters’ forehead… we sent their sister to teach them a lesson).” Despite posting an apology video on social media, public and judicial backlash has only intensified.

What Happens Next?

• The SIT will investigate Shah’s remarks and submit an initial report soon.
• Shah’s arrest is stayed, but the FIR stands and the investigation will proceed.
• The case is being closely watched as a test of accountability for public figures making inflammatory statements.

Summary Table: Supreme Court Action on Kunwar Vijay Shah’s Remarks

This case underscores the judiciary’s insistence on accountability and responsible speech from public officials, especially when national sentiment and the dignity of armed forces are at stake.