SC rejects Minister Shah's apology for remarks on Col Sofiya

The Supreme Court has dismissed Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah’s apology for his insulting and communal comments regarding military officer Sofiya Qureshi and has mandated the formation of a new three-member team of IPS officers to investigate the matter against him.

‘Not a genuine apology’

The court criticized the minister once more for his “crass comments,” with Justice Surya Kant declaring that he did not provide a genuine apology.

“The kind of crass comments you made, completely thoughtlessly. What prevented you from making a sincere attempt? We don’t require your apology. We know how to deal with as per the law,” Justice Surya Kant said.

The court ordered that a Special Investigation Team (SIT), made up of three IPS officers, be established by Tuesday morning to look into the case against the minister. Justice Kant stated that it is required to have a woman officer and submit the report by May 28.

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It also released a notification to the Madhya Pradesh government, stating that Vijay Shah “should face consequences.” “We wish to keep a close eye. It’s a measure for you,” the court informed the state government.

Shah’s communal remarks triggered outrage

After India’s targeted strikes at terror camps beyond the border, Shah stated that a woman from the “same community” as those in Pakistan was sent to expose the nation.

Although he did not specify anyone, his comments were perceived as aimed at Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a prominent representative of the armed forces during the Op Sindoor briefings.

This triggered a huge political uproar, attracting backlash from the Opposition, military veterans, and even a few BJP members.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court, taking suo motu cognisance of the issue, criticized Shah for employing “language of the gutters” and directed that an FIR be filed against the leader.