The Supreme Court of India has bly condemned the objectionable remarks made by Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah against Lieutenant Colonel Sofia Qureshi. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotishwar Singh severely criticized the Minister's statements, taking a serious view of the matter.
New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah's troubles continue to mount following his offensive comments against Colonel Sofia Qureshi, the Indian Army's first female parade commander. During Monday's hearing, the Supreme Court not only reprimanded the Minister but also ordered the formation of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident. This SIT will comprise senior IPS officers from outside Madhya Pradesh, with the mandatory inclusion of a female officer.
"You Should Be Ashamed": Supreme Court's Stern Rebuke
Rejecting Shah's apologies, Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotishwar Singh issued a sharp rebuke. The court stated that as a minister and public figure, he should choose his words carefully. The court observed that the videos showing his statements were deeply shameful and that his apologies seemed like a political attempt at self-preservation rather than genuine remorse.
The court further emphasized that this was not merely an insult to an individual or community but to the entire nation. India takes pride in its army, and the Minister's remarks were deemed detrimental to its honor.
SIT Formation and High Court Oversight of the Investigation
The Supreme Court directed the state's Director General of Police (DGP) to constitute the three-member SIT by 10:00 AM on Tuesday. The team's initial investigation report is to be submitted to the court by May 28th. Furthermore, the investigation will be conducted under the High Court's supervision to ensure impartiality. Minister Vijay Shah had publicly apologized twice following the controversy.
He expressed regret for his statement, claiming that if his words had hurt anyone's sentiments, he was sincerely apologetic. He even stated that he held Colonel Sofia in "even higher regard than a sister." However, the Supreme Court dismissed this apology, stating that it was not genuine remorse but an attempt to avoid legal action. The court also questioned Shah, asking why his remorse wasn't reflected in his words.
High Court's Prior Reprimand
The Madhya Pradesh High Court had already taken suo moto cognizance of the matter and severely reprimanded Minister Vijay Shah for his statement, referring to it as gutter language and cancerous thinking. The court had directed the DGP to register an FIR immediately, leading to action by the Mahu police.
However, the court also criticized the FIR's wording as being "favorable" to the Minister and instructed its amendment. The court believed the FIR was drafted in a way that would make it less likely to withstand legal challenges and benefit the Minister.
Vijay Shah Caught in Political Crisis
This entire incident has created a significant dilemma for the BJP organization. According to sources, Minister Shah is seeking assurances regarding his political future from the party leadership and is unwilling to resign. He argues that having already expressed regret, further action is unwarranted. Meanwhile, the opposition, particularly the Congress party, has intensified its demand for his immediate removal from the cabinet.
Congress workers staged protests in Bhopal, while party MLAs met the Governor to demand the Minister's dismissal. The opposition alleges that Shah's statement not only insulted the army but also adversely affected the social fabric.
