SC slams MP minister Vijay Shah over remarks against Col Qureshi
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday reprimanded Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah over his controversial remarks targeting Col Sofiya Qureshi, stating that every word spoken by a minister must carry a sense of responsibility, especially when the country is facing a sensitive situation.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, also comprising Justice Augustine George Masih, expressed concern over Shah’s conduct and the lack of restraint shown in his public statements. “What sort of statements are you making? You are a responsible minister of the government,” the Chief Justice remarked, addressing Shah’s legal counsel.
The court is set to hear Shah’s plea on Friday, in which he is challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s May 14 order directing the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against him for making objectionable comments against Col Sofiya Qureshi. The High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of Shah’s remarks, widely circulated in a video clip, and strongly condemned them as “scurrilous” and “language of the gutters.”
Senior advocate Vibha Datta Makhija, representing Shah, sought an urgent listing of the matter, stating that the FIR was ordered without the minister being given an opportunity to present his case. “He never meant what is being made out by the media. He has expressed remorse, and it was a statement that was misunderstood,” Makhija said.
However, the Supreme Court bench noted that the FIR had already been registered in Indore district on Wednesday night and questioned why the petitioner had not approached the High Court seeking relief. “Merely because somebody is a minister, should we entertain it? Go and apply before the High Court,” the bench said, refusing to grant an immediate stay on the FIR.
When Makhija urged the court to examine the High Court’s order, the bench agreed to hear the matter on Friday and said, “Nothing is likely to happen in 24 hours.” The court allowed the petitioner to inform the High Court that the matter is now listed before the Supreme Court.
The case stems from a video in which Vijay Shah is allegedly seen making derogatory remarks about Col Sofiya Qureshi, who recently gained national recognition for her role in media briefings during Operation Sindoor alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered the Director General of Police to immediately file an FIR against Shah under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for promoting enmity and hatred.
In response to the widespread backlash, Shah said he is willing to apologise multiple times if his remarks hurt anyone and claimed to hold Col Qureshi in high regard, saying he respects her more than his own sister.
With PTI inputs
