Following the widespread distribution of a video purportedly showing Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah making offensive comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the minister faced criticism. Vijay Shah, a Madhya Pradesh minister
New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah came under fire from the Supreme Court on Monday for his comments criticizing Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had given the media a briefing on Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.
The Supreme Court stated at the case hearing that it is not yet prepared to accept the minister’s offer of apology. “You are a well-known individual. An experienced politician. When you talk, you should consider what you’re saying. Your video ought to be shown here. For the military, this is a significant concern. We must exercise extreme responsibility,” the SC stated.
The Supreme Court noted that in order to look into MP Minister Vijay Shah’s comments about Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, it assembled a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with three senior IPS officers—including a woman officer—from outside of Madhya Pradesh.
Additionally, the top court mandated that MP Minister Vijay Shah join and cooperate fully with the SIT and that his arrest be postponed. The matter will be heard on May 28th after the highest court ordered the SIT to produce a status report on the investigation’s findings.
The bench has listed Shah’s (a BJP leader) appeal for a hearing on Monday on May 16. The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s May 14 ruling ordering a formal complaint against Shah for his remarks has been contested in Shah’s appeal.
After a widely shared video purportedly captured Vijay Shah making offensive comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, he came under fire. Col. Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh have lately made headlines across the country at Operation Sindoor media briefings.
Vijay Shah received harsh criticism from the Madhya Pradesh High Court for using “language of the gutters” and making “scurrilous” remarks about Colonel Qureshi. The judge ordered the police to file a formal complaint against him on grounds of inciting hatred and animosity.
“On the basis of what has been observed herein above, this court directs the Director General of Police of Madhya Pradesh to register forthwith a FIR against minister Vijay Shah for offences under sections 152, 196(1)(b) and 197(1)(c) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),” the court had stated.
Following harsh criticism, the BJP minister declared that he valued Col. Qureshi more than his sister and that he was prepared to apologize ten times if his remarks had offended anyone.
Following harsh criticism, the BJP minister declared that he valued Col. Qureshi more than his sister and that he was prepared to apologize ten times if his remarks had offended anyone.
Later on May 14, in response to the high court’s directive, Shah was the subject of a formal complaint filed in the Indore district. Sections 152 (acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), 196 (1)(b) (promote enmity between different groups on the basis of religion, race, language, or other similar characteristics), and 197 (1)(c) (statement or action that causes or is likely to cause disharmony, enmity, or hatred between different groups) of the BNS were used to register the FIR.