The Supreme Court today strongly criticized Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah for his contentious comments aimed at Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, deemed the minister’s remarks as unacceptable and insensitive, asserting that those in constitutional roles must practice caution in their expressions.
Chief Justice Gavai questioned the conduct of Shah by asking, “What sort of comments are you making? You should show some sense of sensibility. Go and apologise in High Court.”
Shah’s remarks garnered widespread condemnation
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Vijay Shah filed a challenge in the Supreme Court against the Madhya Pradesh high court’s order from May 14. The high court, taking suo motu cognisance of his controversial remarks, instructed the police on Wednesday to file an FIR against the minister. Shah’s lawyer is anticipated to raise the request for an immediate hearing in front of the top court today.
In accordance with the high court’s order, an FIR was lodged on Wednesday against Shah under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A division bench of the high court took the initiative independently and directed the director general of police (DGP) to guarantee prompt registration of the FIR.
The Controversy
The controversy started when a video of Kunwar Vijay Shah’s address, in which he made inappropriate comments about Colonel Qureshi, referring to her as a “sister of terrorists,” became widely circulated on social media.
In reply, the Madhya Pradesh minister stated that his comments were misinterpreted and were meant to praise Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s bravery.
Speaking to ANI about the issue, Shah said, “My entire background is from the military. Many of my family members were martyred and were in the military… Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is above my real sister, who performed the national religion and took revenge on those people. She (Qureshi) is more important than my real sister. I had nothing in my mind; if something slipped out of the excitement and hurt someone, then I would like to apologise from the heart. Not once, but I apologise ten times.”
