The Supreme Court on Monday delivered a stern rebuke to Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah over his derogatory remarks against Colonel Sophia Qureshi, stating, “You should be ashamed.” Refusing to accept the minister’s apology, the apex court stressed the gravity of his statement, calling it a matter of national embarrassment and military dignity.
A bench led by Justice Surya Kant stated that public figures like Shah must weigh their words carefully. “You are a public face and a seasoned politician. You must think before you speak. The entire country is proud of its armed forces, and such comments are disgraceful. We have seen your videos, and had you not held back, the language could have been far worse,” said the court.
In response to the incident, the Supreme Court has directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three senior IPS officers, including one woman, all from outside Madhya Pradesh. This team will investigate the remarks made by Shah against Colonel Qureshi.
Justice Surya Kant further said, “The nation has been shamed by your comments. Your so-called apology is conditional and insincere. This is not how an apology is offered. You should accept your mistake and apologise without qualifications.”
The court instructed the Madhya Pradesh DGP to constitute the SIT by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, with an IG-rank officer as the chairperson. The first report from the SIT is to be submitted by May 28. The investigation will be based on the FIR registered following a Madhya Pradesh High Court order.
