The Supreme Court on Monday reprimanded Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for not promptly issuing a public apology over his controversial remarks against Indian Army officer Col Sofiya Qureshi, warning that his conduct was testing the court’s patience.
A bench led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi expressed doubts about the minister’s intentions and sincerity, saying his behavior raised questions about his bona fide.
Senior advocate K Parmeshwar, representing Shah, informed the court that an online apology had been issued by the minister and assured the bench that the same would be submitted for the court record.
The bench directed the Special Investigation Team, set up to investigate Shah’s statements, to file its report by August 13. It was noted that the SIT had already examined 87 witnesses and was in the process of reviewing statements.
The court declined to entertain a plea filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur, seeking Shah’s resignation. However, the bench said the SIT would also look into certain allegations raised in her petition regarding Shah’s past conduct.
The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on August 18.
The SIT was constituted by the Madhya Pradesh government in compliance with the Supreme Court’s earlier directive.
The controversy erupted after a widely circulated video showed Shah allegedly making offensive remarks about Col Qureshi, who, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, had recently gained national attention during official media briefings on Operation Sindoor.
Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh High Court condemned Shah for his “scurrilous” and “gutter language” against Col Qureshi, ordering the police to register an FIR against him on charges of promoting enmity and hatred.
Facing widespread criticism, Shah later expressed regret and stated that he respected Col Qureshi more than his own sister.
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