A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed displeasure after Shah’s counsel informed the Court that the minister had issued an apology online.
File Photo: IANS
The Supreme Court on Monday reprimanded Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for failing to tender a proper public apology for his derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who led India’s media briefing on Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed displeasure after Shah’s counsel informed the Court that the minister had issued an apology online.
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“What do you mean by an apology like this? This man has been testing our patience… This was the statement he made on the first date… Where is it on record?” Justice Kant asked sharply. “That online apology shows his intentions. It makes us more suspicious of his bona fides,” he added.
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The Court had earlier directed Shah to issue a sincere and public apology for his comments, which were widely condemned as “crass and shameful.”
The bench also sought an update from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted on its orders. The SIT officer present in Court informed the bench that the investigation is on track to be completed within the statutory 90-day limit, which ends on August 13, and that statements of 27 individuals have been recorded so far.
The Court was also informed that relevant video clips have been examined. The matter is now scheduled for hearing on August 18.
The controversy stems from Shah’s remarks at a public event, perceived as an attack on the dignity of Colonel Qureshi, the senior Army officer who briefed the media after India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
A video clip of Shah’s speech went viral, prompting widespread public outrage. Although Shah later claimed that his remarks were “taken out of context” and intended to praise Colonel Qureshi, the apology was found insufficient by both the High Court and the Supreme Court.
On May 14, the Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance of Shah’s remarks and directed the police to register an FIR. When the police failed to act promptly, the High Court warned of possible contempt proceedings against the State DGP.
An FIR was eventually registered under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Subsequently, on May 15, the High Court criticised the police for filing a “grossly diluted” FIR and stated that it would monitor the investigation to ensure accountability.
Shah then approached the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court’s suo motu proceedings and the FIR.
In a previous hearing, the top court granted interim protection from arrest to Shah but emphasised the gravity of the matter. Terming his remarks “filthy” and “crass,” Justice Kant had said: “The nation is ashamed of you. Redemption is yours to seek.”
The Supreme Court also directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three IPS officers from outside Madhya Pradesh, including at least one woman officer, to probe the matter independently.
Despite being given the opportunity to apologise sincerely, Shah’s latest submission, a general online statement—was found inadequate by the Court.
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