The Supreme Court reprimanded Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah for welcome offensive remarks against an Army officer, regarding welcome regret lacking and a social embarrassment.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah's apology for his controversial remarks against Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, terming the statement a national embarrassment.'The entire nation is shamed by the minister's statement,' the apex court said, instructing Vijay Shah to redeem himself through a genuine apology or an appropriate expression of regret.The court said that he should be sensitive before making crass comments.A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh directed the Madhya Pradesh government to constitute the SIT by Tuesday. The team must include three senior IPS officers from outside the state, with at least one being a woman officer. The SIT has been asked to submit a status report by May 28.
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'we are a country which follows rule of law and it is same for the highest to the lowest,' the bench observed The supreme court was hearing vijay shah's plea seeking the quashing of an fir lodged against him for his derogatory remarks. When asked whether he had apologised, his counsel said an apology had already been issued. However, the court questioned its authenticity and intent.According to live law, justice surya kant remarked: 'the nature of this matter.. We are carrying the video clips.. We would like to see what kind of apology you have tendered.. There is a meaning of the word 'apology'.. Sometimes only to wriggle out of consequences.. Tears of Insincerity What sort is yours?'the bench stayed vijay shah's arrest but cautioned that the matter would not be allowed to become political. 'he must face consequences. Let justice be served. We will not allow this to be politicized,' justice kant told the state government.Describing the upcoming sit investigation as a 'litmus test' for the madhya pradesh government, the court made it clear that it would closely monitor the case.Vijay shah in a public meeting referring to india's offensive against pakistan after pahalgam terror attack said, "modi ji sent their own sister (col sophia qureshi) to take revenge".
The Supreme Court's Stance and Directives:
- Strong Censure: The Supreme Court unequivocally rebuked Vijay Shah, calling his remarks a "national embarrassment" and stating, "The entire nation is shamed by the minister's statement."
They rejected his apology, questioning its authenticity and sincerity, and emphasized that public figures, especially those holding constitutional office, must weigh their words responsibly. - SIT Probe: The court ordered the Madhya Pradesh government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by May 20, 2025, to investigate the matter.
The SIT must comprise three senior IPS officers from outside the state, including at least one woman officer, to ensure impartiality. The SIT is mandated to submit a status report by May 28, 2025. - Stay on Arrest, but Consequences: While the Supreme Court stayed Shah's arrest for now, it made it clear that he "must face consequences" and that "law will take its own course." They explicitly stated that the matter would not be allowed to be politicized.
- "Litmus Test" for MP Government: The court described the SIT investigation as a "litmus test" for the Madhya Pradesh government, indicating close monitoring of the case.
- Rejection of Apology: The court found Shah's apology insufficient and a mere attempt to "wriggle out of consequences," even likening it to "crocodile
tears."
Political Fallout:
- Embarrassment for the Ruling Party: The Supreme Court's strong condemnation is a significant embarrassment for Vijay Shah's party (BJP), particularly in a state where he holds a ministerial portfolio (Tribal Affairs Minister). The court's remarks about the "entire nation being shamed" reflect poorly on the government and its members.
- Opposition Criticism: Opposition parties, particularly the Congress and Samajwadi Party, have seized on the ruling to criticize the BJP. They have highlighted the perceived double standards, comparing the swift action against an Ashoka University professor for a social media post with the allegedly slower progress in Shah's case.
They have demanded his removal from the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet. - Damage Control for the BJP: The BJP in Madhya Pradesh has reportedly engaged in a "comprehensive damage control exercise." This includes efforts to distance themselves from his remarks and even dedicating public events to Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh to emphasize their respect for the armed forces.
- Accountability of Public Figures: The ruling reinforces the Supreme Court's insistence on accountability for public figures and ministers, emphasizing that they are expected to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public utterances.
- Scrutiny of State Government's Action: The Supreme Court's pointed questions regarding the state's inaction after the FIR was registered and its directive for a SIT from outside the state imply a lack of confidence in the initial handling of the case by the Madhya Pradesh police. This puts the state government under increased scrutiny.
- Impact on Shah's Political Future: While his arrest is stayed, the ongoing SIT investigation and the Supreme Court's severe observations cast a shadow on Vijay Shah's political standing and future. His long political career and influence, particularly in his constituency, may be tested.
- Broader Implications for Public Discourse: The case serves as a stern reminder to politicians and public figures about the potential legal and political repercussions of making derogatory, communal, or insensitive remarks, especially concerning sensitive institutions like the armed forces.
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