Supreme Court Rebukes MP Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah Over Remarks Against Army Officer

On Monday, the Supreme Court came down heavily on Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah over his comments directed at Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

The officer had briefed the media regarding Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.

The court expressed strong displeasure at Shah’s conduct and said it could not accept his apology. “You are a public figure. A seasoned politician. You should weigh your words when you speak. We should display your video here… This is an important issue for the armed Forces. We need to be very responsible,” stated the Supreme Court.

Special Investigation Team to Probe Remarks

The apex court announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three senior IPS officers, including a woman, all from outside Madhya Pradesh.

The SIT is tasked with investigating the remarks made by Vijay Shah regarding Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

The court also directed that the Minister’s arrest be stayed for now, but he must fully cooperate with the SIT. The team has been ordered to submit a status report, and the matter is set for hearing on May 28.

Background of the Controversy

Shah, a BJP leader, had approached the Supreme Court with a plea challenging a May 14 order from the Madhya Pradesh High Court that called for an FIR to be registered against him over the controversial comments.

The issue began after a video widely circulated on social media showed Vijay Shah allegedly making offensive remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

Alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, Colonel Qureshi had recently been at the forefront of media briefings related to Operation Sindoor.

High Court’s Sharp Criticism

In its order, the Madhya Pradesh High Court criticised Shah for making “scurrilous” remarks and using “language of the gutters.” The court directed the police to file an FIR under sections related to promoting enmity and hatred.

“On the basis of what has been observed herein above, this court directs the Director General of Police of Madhya Pradesh to register forthwith an FIR against minister Vijay Shah for offences under sections 152, 196(1)(b) and 197(1)(c) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),” read the high court’s directive.

Despite facing strong backlash, Shah later stated that he was willing to apologise “ten times” if his remarks hurt anyone and said he respected Colonel Qureshi more than his sister.

FIR Registered Following HC Directive

Following the High Court’s ruling, an FIR was registered against Shah in Indore on May 14.

The charges included Sections 152 (acts endangering sovereignty and unity), 196(1)(b) (promoting enmity between groups), and 197(1)(c) (statements causing disharmony) of the BNS.

The Supreme Court further directed the SIT, to be constituted by the Madhya Pradesh DGP, to consist only of direct-recruited IPS officers not serving in the state.

One member must be a woman, and the team must be led by an Inspector General-ranked officer, with the other two at the SP rank. The SIT must be formed by 10 a.m. on May 20.

SC Questions Minister’s Intentions

Justice Surya Kant, who headed the Bench, described Shah’s comments as “crass, thoughtless remarks” and questioned the sincerity of his apology. The Bench stated that merely apologising in court to escape consequences held no merit.

“If you want we can show them to you here… You seemed to be in the video on the verge of uttering some very filthy, abusive words, but either better sense prevailed for you or you probably did not get the right word and you stopped… Instead of leading by example, you, a public figure and a politician of experience do this most unfortunate thing,” Justice Kant said, addressing Shah’s legal representatives.

Court Emphasises Public Sentiment and Responsibility

Justice Kant emphasized that Shah had ample time to issue a sincere public apology. “The sentiments of the people were ruthlessly hurt by your comments. You should have done or said something to convey your sincere regret,” he noted.

The judge further called the investigation a “litmus test” for the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government and stressed the importance of a fair and transparent inquiry. The court added that Shah must fully cooperate with the SIT or risk facing arrest.

State’s Inaction Criticised

Justice Kant also criticised the Madhya Pradesh government for its lack of prompt action. He noted that the High Court had to intervene not only to ensure the FIR was filed but also to correct and list the appropriate charges.

“And till today, what have you done?” Justice Kant asked the state counsel, highlighting the administration’s inaction and failure to respond appropriately to the situation.

The Supreme Court will next hear the matter on May 28 after the SIT submits its status report.