‘Testing our patience’: SC rebukes MP minister Vijay Shah over 'apology' to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi; questions intent

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah for failing to issue a proper public apology over his controversial remarks against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, calling into question his sincerity and intentions.

“This man has been testing our patience... This was the statement he made on the first date... where is it on record? That (online apology) shows his intentions, that makes us more suspicious of his bonafides,” Justice Surya Kant told Shah’s counsel, according to *LiveLaw*. The judge made it clear that the so-called apology shared online was inadequate and raised doubts about Shah’s motives.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi expressed doubts about the minister’s intentions and bonafide due to his conduct.

Senior advocate K Parmeshwar, representing Shah, stated that a public apology had been issued and would be submitted to the court.

The SIT has examined 87 people and is reviewing statements.

The court refused to consider Congress leader Jaya Thakur’s plea seeking Shah’s resignation but said the SIT would investigate some allegations raised in the petition.

Shah had stirred controversy in May when he allegedly described Colonel Qureshi, a key figure in the Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor briefings, as a “sister of terrorists” during a public address. The comments, widely circulated in a video clip, drew sharp condemnation from the Opposition and civil society. The Madhya Pradesh high court later termed the remarks “scurrilous” and likened them to “language of the gutters”.

Following the outrage, an FIR was registered against Shah under charges of promoting enmity and hatred. The Supreme Court on May 19 ordered the formation of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of IPS officers to probe the case and also stayed separate proceedings at the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Advocate Varun Thakur said the SIT had submitted a status report and the statement of the accused had been recorded. “Since he is accepting, giving public apology, then there is no need for investigation, but still we are waiting,” Thakur told PTI, noting that SIT officials had assured the investigation would be completed before August 13. The next hearing is scheduled for August 18.