Supreme Court Orders Investigation into Madhya Pradesh Minister's Controversial Remarks

Supreme Court's Decision on Vijay Shah's Remarks

The Supreme Court has dismissed the apology offered by Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah regarding his comments aimed at Colonel Sofia Qureshi. The court has mandated the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the issue.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh has temporarily halted Shah's arrest and instructed him to participate in the investigation.

According to reports, the bench stated, “We are forming a SIT consisting of three IPS officers, one of whom must hold the rank of Inspector General or Director General of Police. All members should be from outside the state. This is a crucial test, and we expect the state to provide us with the SIT report.”

Additionally, the bench specified that one of the officers in the SIT should be a woman and directed the Director General of Police to establish the team by 10 AM on Tuesday.

This controversy stems from remarks made by Shah during an event in Mahu on May 13.

Shah suggested that those responsible for widowing Indian daughters had been taught a lesson by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, implying that the Prime Minister had sent a woman from their own community to retaliate. He reiterated this statement shortly after making it.

Although Shah did not mention anyone by name, opposition parties accused him of targeting Qureshi, who serves as an official spokesperson during media briefings related to Operation Sindoor.

On May 14, the Madhya Pradesh High Court took notice of the situation and ordered a case to be filed against Shah, noting that his comments were directed at Qureshi.

Following this, Shah approached the Supreme Court to contest the FIR against him.

On May 13, Shah expressed regret for his comments, stating that they should not be interpreted in a negative light.

He clarified, “I want to assure everyone that my speech was not meant in that context. They are our sisters, and they have avenged with great strength alongside the armed forces.”

Shah also mentioned that he would apologize multiple times if his comments had offended anyone.

The next day, he issued another apology, expressing his shame and sadness over his remarks, acknowledging Qureshi's contributions to the nation.

During the court proceedings, Shah's lawyer argued that he had already apologized publicly.

The bench, however, questioned the sincerity of his apology, suggesting that it might have been an attempt to evade legal consequences. They described Shah's comments as “crass” and “thoughtless,” indicating that they would not accept his apology.

Justice Kant remarked, “What stopped you from making a genuine effort? We don’t need your apology; we will handle this according to the law. We have rejected your apology.”

The bench expressed that the nation felt ashamed of Shah's remarks and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law.

The Supreme Court also criticized the state government's lack of action regarding the FIR, questioning what steps had been taken since its registration.

The court is scheduled to hear the case again on May 28.

Shah has been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for actions that threaten India's sovereignty and communal harmony.