The Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure over BJP Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah's failure to offer a sincere apology for his controversial remark referring to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi as the "sister of terrorists." The Court, led by a Division Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, sharply questioned Shah's conduct and the bona fides of his public apology.
The Bench was hearing two petitions filed by Shah. The first challenged the suo motu directions of the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordering the registration of an FIR against him for his remarks. The second challenged the High Court’s order dated May 15, where it expressed dissatisfaction over the police investigation and stated its intent to monitor the probe.
Senior Advocate K. Parmeswar, appearing for Shah, submitted that the Minister was cooperating with the investigation led by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted pursuant to earlier Court directions. He assured the Court that a written apology would be formally submitted by the following Monday. However, Justice Kant questioned the authenticity of Shah's intentions, observing that the apology appeared more as a formality than a genuine act of remorse.
Justice Kant remarked, “What do you mean by an apology like this? This man has been testing our patience. That online apology makes us more suspicious of his bonafides.” The Bench also questioned why the SIT had prioritized recording Shah's statement over those who were affected by his comment, asserting that victim statements should be the primary focus.
In response, the SIT informed the Court that statements of 27 individuals had been recorded and several video clips were under review. The team assured that the investigation would be concluded within the statutory 90-day period ending on August 13. The Court directed the SIT to submit a status report and listed the matter for further hearing on August 18, instructing that a member of the SIT remain present.
In a related petition, Congress Leader Dr. Jaya Thakur had sought Shah's removal from ministerial office. While the Court dismissed that petition, it permitted the petitioner to approach an appropriate forum and directed the SIT to consider the incidents flagged in the petition while preparing its report.
Previously, on May 28, the Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance of the matter and stayed Shah's arrest, provided he cooperated fully with the investigation. A three-member SIT comprising senior IPS officers from outside Madhya Pradesh was constituted to ensure impartiality.
The Court had earlier castigated Shah for his comments, describing them as "filthy, crass, and shameful." It noted that Shah's public apology lacked acknowledgement of the hurt caused. Justice Kant advised Shah to introspect and consider how to genuinely redeem himself.
The controversy arose following Shah's statement during a public address, wherein he allegedly implied that Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had gained national attention during 'Operation Sindoor,' was used as an instrument of vengeance against terrorists. His remarks were widely criticized and led to significant public outcry. On May 14, the Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognizance and directed the registration of an FIR. Shah was subsequently booked under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Later that evening, Shah posted a video on social media calling Colonel Qureshi a "Nation's sister" and offering an apology.
On May 15, the High Court, dissatisfied with the contents of the FIR and the progress of the investigation, stated that it would continue to monitor the probe, prompting Shah to move the apex court once again.
The matter remains under active judicial scrutiny, with the Supreme Court maintaining oversight to ensure fairness and accountability in the investigation process.
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