SC Orders SIT Probe Against BJP MP Shah Over Remarks Against Col. Sofiya Qureshi
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the apology of Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah and ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe against him over his controversial remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who was one of the major faces of India’s press briefings on Operation Sindoor.
“The kind of crass comments you made, completely thoughtlessly… We don’t need this apology,” the top court criticised the BJP MP.
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A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh ordered the Director General of Police to constitute an SIT of three IPS officers from outside the state, including one of IG or DGP rank, by Saturday. The court will closely monitor the investigation and directed that a report be submitted directly to it.
“We are constituting an SIT… this is a litmus test,” the bench said, making it clear that it would keep a close watch on developments.
While staying Shah’s arrest for now, the Court instructed the BJP member to fully cooperate with the investigation. The judges reprimanded the minister for attempting to wriggle out of consequences through an apology, which they described as lacking sincerity and substance.
“You are saying ‘if I have done’—you’re not even owning up,” Justice Kant said.
The controversy stems from Shah’s viral video clip, where he allegedly made inappropriate comments about Colonel Qureshi, who had recently briefed the media on Operation Sindoor, India’s military operation against Pakistan. Shah later claimed his remarks were misinterpreted and intended to praise her bravery.
However, the Supreme Court was not convinced. “Such a person holding a constitutional office should be responsible, especially when the country is going through a sensitive situation,” the bench remarked.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of the BJP MP’s comments and ordered the registration of an FIR under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The FIR was filed after the HC warned of contempt proceedings if the state police failed to act.
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In response, Shah moved the Supreme Court seeking relief and a stay on the FIR, but the top court instead escalated the scrutiny by ordering a more rigorous investigation.
The court also questioned the Madhya Pradesh police’s inaction following the FIR, asking what steps had been taken and whether the SHO had examined the case properly.
